Lionel Henry James Memorial Handicap

Off time: 19:00 | Winning time: 2m 38.83s

(2)

Mountbatten¹⁷⁸

Age: 3| Weight: 9-9| J: S Donohoe| T: Sir Mark Prescott| OR: 60

11/8

Didn't figure in 3 all-weather outings over 7f/1m last December but he has a smart pedigree and could be one of many from the yard whose form takes off in handicaps.

Form: 877-

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(5)

Spirit Dreamer^p1²¹

Age: 3| Weight: 9-8| J: Jason Watson| T: A M Balding| OR: 59

6/4

Showed enough in 3 outings last month to think he has ability and the application of cheekpieces on handicap debut could be a good move given he was often soon off the bridle in his qualifying runs.

Form: 672

(3)

Manbearpig³³

Age: 3| Weight: 9-8| J: C Lee| T: R Menzies| OR: 59

8/1

Failed to improve for a switch to handicap company when fifth of 11 on Thirsk reappearance (1½m, good) 33 days ago. May come on for the run.

Form: 555-5

(6)

Dalamara¹⁴

Age: 3| Weight: 9-7| J: A Mullen| T: B Haslam| OR: 58

13/2

Winner on handicap debut at Newcastle (1m) in December. Respectable efforts in defeat on return this spring, finishing fourth of 7 over 1¼m at Wetherby last time. Up in trip again.

Form: 771-424

(4)

Echo Valley²⁰

Age: 3| Weight: 9-0| J: Tyler Heard| T: T Symonds| OR: 51

40/1

Poor form, beaten 8¼ lengths into fourth at Chepstow (1¼m, good to firm) 20 days ago. Up in trip.

Form: 77074

(1)

Project Kinsman^p¹⁶

Age: 3| Weight: 8-10| J: Tom Kiely-Marshall⁽⁵⁾| T: P A Kirby| OR: 47

33/1

Poor form. Placed in 1¼m handicaps on Newcastle's all-weather but well beaten in a classified event there last time. Others more persuasive.

Form: 98-8238

Forecasts

Mountbatten (11/8), Spirit Dreamer (6/4), Dalamara (13/2), Manbearpig (8/1), Project Kinsman (33/1), Echo Valley (40/1)

This could develop into a straight fight between SPIRIT DREAMER and Mountbatten, who are likely improvers in handicaps for good stables. The former appeals as likely to benefit from the addition of today's first-time cheekpieces and is narrowly preferred.