Close Brothers Handicap

3YO only | Class 4 | 1m 1f 209y | 5 Runners | Turf

(4)

Age: 3| Weight: 9-10| J: Luke Catton⁽³⁾| T: J & T Gosden| OR: 81| D

Bred to be smart and improved from his debut effort when again finding only one too strong at Windsor in June. Easily landed the odds in 3-runner Nottingham novice next time and he's not taken lightly as he goes handicapping.

Form: 221

(3)

Hot And Cold¹³

Age: 3| Weight: 9-10| J: L Morris| T: Sir Mark Prescott| OR: 81

Off the mark at the third attempt at Newcastle (1m) last year and made a winning return from 7 months off in handicap at Salisbury in June. Stuck to her task well when runner-up at Ascot 13 days ago and this longer trip promises to suit. Can make another bold bid.

Form: 561-12

(2)

Knightsail^h1¹⁰⁷

Age: 3| Weight: 9-5| J: J P Spencer| T: D Menuisier| OR: 76

Best effort when staying on for third in 9f novice at Goodwood on second outing last season. Possibly needed the run after 6 months off at Nottingham (1¼m) in April, so he remains with potential as he makes handicap debut with hood fitted (has been gelded).

Form: 73-7

(5)

Blue Noon³⁶

Age: 3| Weight: 9-5| J: S M Levey| T: R Hannon| OR: 76

Displayed ability in her 3 qualifying runs, before still looking in need of the experience when mid-field on handicap debut at Chester in May. Got back on the up when third of 9 at Lingfield last month, though is up against several potential improvers in this contest.

Form: 4-4363

(1)

Roker Roar¹⁸⁴

Age: 3| Weight: 9-1| J: Jason Watson| T: A M Balding| OR: 72| BF

Proved much sharper second time up when fourth of 10 at Newcastle (1m) in November. Failed to land the odds when third of 4 at Kempton (11f) in January, but he's bred to stay at least this far and it remains early days as he makes handicap debut after 6 months off.

Form: 74-3

Forecasts

Cyrano De Bergerac (6/4), Hot And Cold (2/1), Roker Roar (11/2), Knightsail (7/1), Blue Noon (10/1)

HOT AND COLD has continued to go the right way with each start so far, runner-up in what is often an informative Ascot handicap last time, and there could still be better to come as she goes up in trip. She gets the vote ahead of a pair of handicap debutants, last-time-out winner Cyrano de Bergerac the pick for second over Knightsail.