15:50 Salisbury

Wednesday 23 July 2025

All14:1514:5015:2015:5016:2016:53

Highclere Castle Gin Handicap

Off time: 15:50 | Winning time: 1m 46.22s

(1)

Troy Story¹⁸

Age: 3| Weight: 9-8| J: Rob Hornby| T: A King| OR: 73

17/2

Runner-up in 7f AW handicap at Kempton last November but seventh of 8 in handicap at Sandown (14/1) over 10f 18 days ago, weakening after taking keen hold. Should appreciate return to 8f.

Form: 432-667

(3)

Political Power¹³

Age: 3| Weight: 9-8| J: S M Levey| T: Charlie Clover| OR: 73| D

9/2

Got off the mark with narrow win in 8f handicap at Newmarket (16/1) 33 days ago in first-time tongue strap. Fifth of 10 in 8.5f handicap at Epsom (11/2) 13 days ago, held every chance before finding no extra late on. Tongue strap now removed. Can go well.

Form: 427915

(5)

Moutai³⁴

Age: 3| Weight: 9-7| J: H Crouch| T: E Walker| OR: 72

11/10

Lightly-raced gelding who has shown promise with two consecutive third-place finishes in handicaps. Third of 8 in 10f handicap at Lingfield (3/1) 34 days ago, running creditably despite not seeming to appreciate the longer distance. Should be well-suited to this 8f trip and has strong claims.

Form: 56-633

(4)

Opening Bat³³

Age: 3| Weight: 9-3| J: T E Whelan| T: Harry Charlton| OR: 68| BF| D

11/4

Showed improved form in handicaps this year, winning at Kempton (AW) in May. Finished third of 9 in handicap at Newmarket (15/8) 33 days ago, challenging over 1f out but finding no extra close home. Small rise for that still leaves him well enough treated for this similar test.

Form: 767-413

(2)

Kodi Fire²²

Age: 3| Weight: 9-2| J: Jason Watson| T: C Hills| OR: 67

12/1

Won 9-runner handicap at Brighton (5/1) 22 days ago, staying on well to lead in final strides. Proved effective at 7f and worth trying at this longer trip.

Form: 535-561

Non-Runners

(7)

Jarham²³

Weight: 9-9| Age: 3

T: C G Cox J: David Probert

(6)

Mighty Ruler⁶⁹

Weight: 9-3| Age: 3

T: M J Attwater J: Paddy Bradley

Forecasts

Moutai (11/10), Opening Bat (11/4), Jarham (11/4), Political Power (9/2), Troy Story (17/2), Kodi Fire (12/1), Mighty Ruler (25/1)

MOUTAI is a lightly-raced gelding who has shown plenty with consecutive thirds and he makes lots of appeal here back in trip. Political Power can feature, while Opening Bat remains well treated despite a small rise.