Happy Birthday Dave Bramley Handicap (GBBPlus Race)

(5)

Age: 7| Weight: 10-2| J: Jack Nicholls⁽⁵⁾| T: M Appleby| OR: 80

Three-time winner in 2023 before missing all of last year. Hasn't made much impact in his 2 starts this year, off a further 6 months ahead of finishing fifth of 8 in handicap at Haydock (14f, good, 20/1) 6 weeks ago.

Form: 1311/95

(4)

Ancient Myth^p²⁷

Age: 4| Weight: 9-12| J: D Tudhope| T: D O'Meara| OR: 76| C

In first-time cheekpieces, took a step forward when getting off the mark in 7-runner handicap at this course (12f, good, 15/2) 27 days ago, overcoming positional bias. Respected now that he's up and running.

Form: 533521

(3)

Scarlet Moon^p³⁰

Age: 3| Weight: 9-9| J: L Morris| T: A Watson| OR: 82| D

Successful on all-weather first 3 starts this year and got back on track when making most in 6-runner handicap at Sandown (14f, good, 18/1) a month ago. From a good staying family so there could be better still to come.

Form: 111971

(2)

Tafsir^p⁷

Age: 6| Weight: 9-5| J: P Mulrennan| T: J S Goldie| OR: 69| D

Without a win so far this season but better signs of late, nearest at the finish when 2¼ lengths fifth of 8 in handicap at Hamilton (12.1f, good to firm, 80/1) last week. Major player back up in trip returned to this lower grade.

Form: 063535

(1)

Coedana⁷³

Age: 3| Weight: 9-1| J: Callum Rodriguez| T: E Bethell| OR: 74

Encouraging second at Wolverhampton on debut but hasn't progressed in 2 starts since, third of 6 in maiden at this course (12f, good to firm, 9/4) 73 days ago. Remains with potential as she goes up in trip for handicap debut.

Form: 223

Forecasts

Coedana (9/4), Ancient Myth (5/2), Scarlet Moon (5/2), Tafsir (5/1), In The Breeze (14/1)

Preference is for TAFSIR, who ran well from out of the weights in the Lanark Silver Bell a week ago and could be ready to strike back down at this level. Ancient Myth benefited from the application of cheekpieces when scoring with a bit in hand at this course last time and is feared most, ahead of Scarlet Moon.