National Stud Handicap (GBBPlus Race)

Off time: 15:49 | Winning time: 2m 30.30s

(3)

Astro King¹⁴

Age: 9| Weight: 10-4| J: Ebrahim Nader| T: D & C Kubler| OR: 97

14/1

Last success came in the Cambridgeshire back in 2023, though was absent nearly 2 years prior to this season. Took a step back in the right direction when 2¼ lengths fifth of 12 at Southwell (11f) 2 weeks ago, but task is now to build on his recent run.

Form: 490/005

Image of Stars that are filled with the colour gold

(6)

Race To The Stars²⁶⁶

Age: 4| Weight: 9-10| J: Toby Moore⁽⁷⁾| T: C Appleby| OR: 89| BF

15/8

Looked potentially useful when making a successful debut at Southwell (11f) last autumn and soon left behind a lesser effort when just edged out in handicap at Chelmsford (1¼m) in November. Absent since but returns with yard in top form. Interesting contender.

Form: 142-

(5)

Round The Table^t1²⁸

Age: 3| Weight: 8-13| J: J Mitchell| T: Tom Clover| OR: 87

2/1

Mid-field in a strong Newbury maiden on debut and has landed the odds both starts since, in emphatic fashion in a Ffos Las maiden in June, before making all in novice at Doncaster last month. Tongue strap added and remains with potential as he goes up 2f in trip on handicap bow.

Form: 511

(4)

Be Patient³²

Age: 3| Weight: 8-12| J: J P Spencer| T: E Bethell| OR: 86| BF

10/3

Improved for first run when winning a Newcastle novice (1m) in November. Followed up with plenty in hand on handicap/seasonal debut at Doncaster (1¼m) in July and creditable second of 4 at Redcar 16 days later. Could still have more to offer for in-form yard.

Form: 31-12

(1)

First Officer¹⁹

Age: 7| Weight: 8-12| J: Sorin Moldoveanu⁽⁷⁾| T: Jane Chapple-Hyam| OR: 77| CD

13/2

Successful over C&D last summer and has been shaping up well this season, bumping into a progressive 3-y-o back at this course in July, before meeting trouble when ¾-length fourth of 8 here last time. Can make his presence felt.

Form: 43-5224

Non-Runners

(2)

Tycoon²⁶

Weight: 10-1| Age: 4

T: K P De Foy J: Darragh Keenan

Forecasts

Race To The Stars (15/8), Round The Table (2/1), Be Patient (10/3), Tycoon (6/1), First Officer (13/2), Astro King (14/1)

Preference is for ROUND THE TABLE who has won both starts since his promising debut, creating a good impression when kicking clear at Doncaster last time before just holding on in the end. He can do better still as he heads into handicaps and gets the vote ahead of the in-form First Officer, with Race To The Stars also one to note.