Safer Gambling With Betano Apprentice Handicap (GBBPlus Race)

Off time: 17:12 | Winning time: 3m 5.38s

(4)

Gentle Warrior^v³⁵

Age: 4| Weight: 9-12| J: Toby Moore⁽⁵⁾| T: K R Burke| OR: 78| C| D

1/1

Relished the step up to this trip last season, scoring in clear-cut fashion at Haydock and Chester in September. Ran poorly after 6 months off at Musselburgh 5 weeks ago, but no surprise to see him leave that effort behind.

Form: 31135-0

(1)

Russian Rumour^p²²³

Age: 9| Weight: 9-12| J: Donagh Murphy| T: J G Portman| OR: 78| CD

10/3

C&D winner who was successful twice at around 2m last season, at Lingfield (good to firm) in June and by 12 lengths on heavy ground at Ffos Las in September. Raised 7 lb for her latest victory but she's respected on return (has won after a break in the past).

Form: 251531-

(2)

Dino Bellagio²⁰⁴

Age: 7| Weight: 9-10| J: C J Whiteley| T: D McCain Jnr| OR: 76| D

11/4

Dual bumper winner who made a winning start in handicaps at Southwell (16.5f) last summer. Seen to maximum effect when making all at Chester (14.5f) in September, before finishing well held up in grade at Haydock when last seen 6 months ago.

Form: 314318-

(3)

Red Derek¹⁸⁶

Age: 10| Weight: 8-7| J: Alfie Redman⁽³⁾| T: L Williamson| OR: 54

12/1

It's now seventeen runs since his last win in 2022 but placed on 3 occasions last year. However, ended the campaign on a low-key note, sixth of 7 at Redcar in November, and he's 5 lb out of the weights in this contest.

Form: 823356-

Forecasts

Gentle Warrior (1/1), Dino Bellagio (11/4), Russian Rumour (10/3), Red Derek (12/1)

This could go the way of GENTLE WARRIOR, who showed improved form upped to this distance as he recorded back-to-back wins in the autumn. With his reappearance run behind him, the 4-y-o is preferred to the returning Russian Rumour who was a wide-margin winner under testing conditions when last seen.