20:32 Newmarket

Friday 31 July 2026

All17:5018:2519:0019:3220:0220:32

Zyn Strong Stride Handicap

Off time: 20:32 | Winning time: 1m 38.78s

(4)

Drifts Away^p⁸^{(ex 5)}

Age: 5| Weight: 10-7| J: Ryan Kavanagh⁽³⁾| T: T Kent| OR: 74| D

7/2

Successful 4 times in 2025 and, in first-time cheekpieces, bounced back to form when forging clear to win at Yarmouth 8 days ago. 2 lb well in under a penalty so he's not taken lightly.

Form: 1308-71

(2)

Rising Force²¹

Age: 5| Weight: 10-1| J: N Callan| T: J Butler| OR: 73| D

7/1

Won handicaps at Doncaster and Thirsk during the spring but has found things tougher from his higher mark since, fifth of 8 at Ascot on latest outing. Drop back in grade here could help at least.

Form: 101845

(5)

Born A Rebel^h1¹⁴

Age: 5| Weight: 9-8| J: Benoit D L Sayette| T: P Owens| OR: 66| C| D

17/2

Won twice over 7f last year, including at this course on the first occasion. In-and-out form so far this season, runner-up to King of Charm over C&D in June before a lesser effort here (7f) 2 weeks ago, but he could be in the mix with hood on first time.

Form: 4-72024

(1)

Mertoun²⁷

Age: 3| Weight: 9-7| J: Alexandra Egan⁽⁷⁾| T: Jane Chapple-Hyam| OR: 73| D

11/8

Much improved sent handicapping upped to 1m, off the mark in good style at Windsor in June and comfortably followed up at Carlisle early this month. Thriving at present and he's a major player as he bids for the hat-trick.

Form: 68-9211

(6)

Currumbin^h²⁹

Age: 5| Weight: 9-7| J: K S McHugh⁽⁷⁾| T: Michael Keady| OR: 65

40/1

Both Flat wins on all-weather but landed a maiden hurdle last summer. However, back on the level he's run below form both starts this year, returning from a further 12 weeks off when last of 4 at Yarmouth (11.5f) early this month.

Form: 8663-04

(7)

King Of Charm^p⁴¹

Age: 5| Weight: 9-4| J: Alice Bond⁽⁵⁾| T: Martin Dunne| OR: 62| CD

11/2

From his reduced mark has returned to form fitted with cheekpieces last 2 starts, getting back to winning ways in 11-runner contest over this C&D in June by ½ length from Born A Rebel. Remains well treated based on old form.

Form: 88-0621

(3)

Crimson Rambler^b¹³

Age: 3| Weight: 9-0| J: Rowan Scott| T: M Crawley| OR: 66| D

17/2

Back-to-back winner at around 1m on the all-weather in March for George Scott. Has run creditably the last twice for current yard, second of 3 at Nottingham (1¼m) 13 days ago, but will need to find more taking on his elders for the first time.

Form: 423932

Forecasts

Mertoun (11/8), Drifts Away (7/2), King Of Charm (11/2), Rising Force (7/1), Born A Rebel (17/2), Crimson Rambler (17/2), Currumbin (40/1)

MERTOUN has proved a different proposition switched to handicaps over this trip, making it back-to-back wins with a wide-margin success at Carlisle, and can continue his progress to score again. Drifts Away is much respected, though, arriving on the back of a career-best victory at Yarmouth, with Born A Rebel also considered.