14:45 Epsom Downs

Monday 25 August 2025

All13:3514:1014:4515:2015:5516:2817:03

Betfred 'The Classic Bookmaker' Handicap

Off time: 14:45 | Winning time: 1m 21.33s

(6)

Native American^p⁴⁴

Age: 4| Weight: 10-2| J: Tom Marquand| T: H Al Jehani| OR: 97

7/1

Useful in Group company but winless in 11 starts and finished eighth of 9 in handicap at York (12/1) 44 days ago without usual headgear (probably needed the run). Cheekpieces back on and likely to run closer to form here eased in class.

Form: 596-558

(3)

Society Man²⁶

Age: 5| Weight: 9-9| J: Callum Shepherd| T: C Johnston| OR: 90| D

40/1

Won a conditions race in France in May 2024 but finished last of 20 at Goodwood (40/1) 26 days ago, found to have bled on return from 6 months off. This will reveal more.

Form: 419-260

(9)

Crimson Spirit¹⁷

Age: 4| Weight: 9-9| J: Jim Crowley| T: D & C Kubler| OR: 90| BF| CD

5/1

Won three consecutive 7f handicaps earlier this season including over this C&D. Second of 7 in 7f handicap at Musselburgh (15/8) 17 days ago, doing well after racing off the pace. Has excellent course form and doesn't appear to have peaked yet.

Form: 311102

(7)

Fifty Nifty^h1,p1¹⁶

Age: 4| Weight: 9-7| J: N Callan| T: Tom Clover| OR: 88| D

22/1

Below form since returning, finishing seventh of 8 in handicap at Newmarket (10/1) 16 days ago where hung left and made little impression. First-time hood applied.

Form: 1-26007

(1)

Competizione^t³⁰

Age: 3| Weight: 9-6| J: Oisin Murphy| T: J & T Gosden| OR: 92

7/2

Easily landed the odds in a Windsor novice last month. Underperformed when 12th of 17 in handicap at Ascot (9/1) 30 days ago, racing freely and fading having done too much too soon. Drop back to 7f could be a good move.

Form: 722010

(2)

Partisan Hero^p²²

Age: 5| Weight: 9-6| J: Rossa Ryan| T: D Loughnane| OR: 87| CD

3/1

Reliable performer who recorded win number 3 of the campaign over C&D in June but finished sixth of 15 in handicap at Galway (14/1) 22 days ago after taking keen hold and weakening late. Dominating this field may be a shade easier.

Form: 122126

(4)

Bell Shot^p¹²

Age: 6| Weight: 9-5| J: Jason Watson| T: M Appleby| OR: 86| D

12/1

Won three of last five starts over 7f, most recently in 6-runner handicap at Beverley (9/4) 12 days ago when leading throughout to dominate by 4¾ lengths. Likely to find things more difficult in this higher grade and 7 lb higher but he's clearly in good order.

Form: 414311

(8)

The Fingal Raven^b¹⁶

Age: 3| Weight: 9-4| J: Saffie Osborne| T: J A Osborne| OR: 90| D

12/1

Placed in listed company at Meydan and finished third last 2 starts back in Britain. latterly in 6-runner at Newmarket (8f) 16 days ago (10/3), weakening late after chasing leader. 7f probably his best trip.

Form: 332033

(5)

Aurora Majesty²³

Age: 3| Weight: 9-3| J: Hollie Doyle| T: A Watson| OR: 89| CD

5/1

Won first 2 starts on the AW this spring and added to tally over C&D last month. Ran a cracker when third of 16 in a higher grade handicap at Goodwood (22/1) 23 days ago, making the running until headed close home and he's a massive player up just 1 lb.

Form: 196613

Forecasts

Partisan Hero (3/1), Competizione (7/2), Aurora Majesty (5/1), Crimson Spirit (5/1), Native American (7/1), Bell Shot (12/1), The Fingal Raven (12/1), Fifty Nifty (22/1), Society Man (40/1)

AURORA MAJESTY proved effective on this speed-favouring track when winning here in July and ran a cracker when third in a higher grade at Goodwood recently. He's taken to resume winning ways. Crimson Spirit brings excellent course form to the table so is feared most, while Native American, useful at his peak, could be a different proposition with cheekpieces restored.