Blackmore Building Contractors Handicap

4YO plus | Class 5 | 5f 60y | 6 Runners | Turf

(5)

Em Four³⁵

Age: 4| Weight: 9-9| J: Saffie Osborne| T: J A Osborne| OR: 74| D

4/1

Won 3 times on all-weather earlier in the year and arrives in good heart, not seen to best effect on a couple of occasions before running creditably when 2¼ lengths fifth of 8 at Windsor 5 weeks ago. Back down to his last winning mark and could be in the mix.

Form: 135785

(1)

Nogo's Dream^p³²

Age: 6| Weight: 9-9| J: Billy Loughnane| T: R Hughes| OR: 74| D

11/4

Quirky sort but has been going through one of his better spells of late, runner-up for the fourth time this year when beaten by an improving 3-y-o at Sandown last time. On a handy mark if able to build on latest effort.

Form: 252642

(2)

Merrimack^t,v¹⁶

Age: 5| Weight: 9-9| J: Olivia Haines⁽⁷⁾| T: S C Williams| OR: 74| CD

4/1

Gained reward for his consistency when making all at Newmarket at the beginning of the month. Shaped as if still in good form when fourth of 6 at the same course 16 days ago, facing competition for the lead, and he looks the likely pacesetter in this contest.

Form: 382314

(4)

South Shore⁷

Age: 5| Weight: 9-5| J: Marco Ghiani| T: R M H Cowell| OR: 70| BF| D

10/3

Revitalised for new yard, winning on stable debut at Windsor in June and following up with a decisive success at Wolverhampton 7 days later. Runner-up last 2 starts, going close at Windsor a week ago, and he looks a strong contender.

Form: 531122

(3)

Secret Handsheikh^v¹

Age: 8| Weight: 8-13| J: Joe Leavy| T: J Gallagher| OR: 64| CD

5/1

Off the mark for the year at Chepstow in June and also landed 6-runner contest here 19 days ago by 3¾ lengths from Kento, his fifth C&D success. Was suited by how the race developed last time, but he's always respected at this venue. Engaged 3.50 here Sunday.

Form: 871515

(6)

Kento^p¹

Age: 5| Weight: 8-7| J: Ray Dawson| T: A W Carroll| OR: 58| CD

7/1

Dual all-weather winner earlier this year who also scored over C&D in May. Good placed efforts next 2 starts and soon left behind a below-par effort when 3¾ lengths second of 6 to Secret Handsheikh here 19 days ago, racing closer to the pace than ideal. Engaged 3.50 here Sunday.

Form: 123327

Forecasts

Secret Handsheikh (11/4), South Shore (3/1), Nogo's Dream (4/1), Merrimack (9/2), Kento (8/1), Em Four (8/1)

SOUTH SHORE has made a positive start for his present stable, successful on his first 2 outings this summer and runner-up the last twice, so he is fancied to resume winning ways. 5-time C&D winner Secret Handsheikh could be the main danger if taking up this engagement, while Em Four is capable of getting involved from his current mark.