Ashley Smith Memorial William Hill Fillies' Handicap

Off time: 16:31 | Winning time: 2m 35.49s

(1)

Talitha Rouge²³

Age: 3| Weight: 9-6| J: D Tudhope| T: D O'Meara| OR: 67

9/4

Space Blues filly who made the frame on 2 of her 3 starts in maiden/novice company but failed to take a step forward granted the run of the race when sixth of 7 on handicap debut at Sandown (1¼m) 3 weeks ago. Remains early days at least now stepping back up in trip.

Form: 3436

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(2)

Clocker¹⁷

Age: 3| Weight: 9-4| J: O J Orr| T: E Bethell| OR: 65| BF

10/11

Time Test filly who crucially got away on terms and duly showed improved form when off the mark in a 6-runner Hamilton handicap (11f) 2 starts back. Reverted to slow starting but ran at least as well when second at Leicester since (clear of remainder) and she's of interest again.

Form: 56-4612

(4)

Blue Tulip¹⁶

Age: 3| Weight: 8-12| J: Jason Watson| T: W Muir & C Grassick| OR: 59| D

7/2

Hails from a family this yard knows well and she showed improved form when opening her account at the fifth attempt at Wolverhampton (1½m) 16 days ago, overcoming an interrupted passage in the process. 5 lb rise can see her competitive again back on turf.

Form: 85661

(5)

Skirt Around^p1⁷²

Age: 3| Weight: 8-12| J: Jack Nicholls⁽³⁾| T: P A Kirby| OR: 59

33/1

Twice in the frame in 7f novices at 2yrs but has failed to beat a rival in a pair of 1¼m handicaps at Newcastle and Wetherby this season. Cheekpieces are now reached for over this longer trip.

Form: 643-87

Non-Runners

(3)

Musical Accord⁷²

Weight: 9-9| Age: 3

T: R M Beckett J: Rhys Clutterbuck

Forecasts

Clocker (10/11), Talitha Rouge (9/4), Blue Tulip (7/2), Musical Accord (4/1), Skirt Around (33/1)

CLOCKER reverted back to her slow starting ways but it was encouraging she could match her previous best when runner up at Leicester 17 days ago (pulled long way clear of the remainder). She can confirm her mark to be an exploitable one, possibly at the chief expense of Wolverhampton scorer Blue Tulip, who appeals as the type to progress further in staying handicaps. Musical Accord didn't kick on as expected in maidens but this switch to handicaps can see her to better effect now.