Virgin Bet Handicap (GBBPlus Race)

Off time: 15:50 | Winning time: 3m 47.05s

(5)

Manxman^v²⁰

Age: 6| Weight: 9-13| J: W Buick| T: S & E Crisford| OR: 93| CD

8/11

Resumed winning ways over C&D in May 2025. Lightly raced since but proved he retains all his ability back from a year off when fifth of 16 at York 3 weeks ago and this is much less competitive.

Form: 21003-5

Image of Stars that are filled with the colour gold

(3)

Synergism^p1⁴⁶

Age: 4| Weight: 9-11| J: L Morris| T: Sir Mark Prescott| OR: 91| D

9/2

Reached a useful level last summer and has held his form well since, including when making a winning return at Lingfield (turf) in May. Ground might have been too quick for him at Ascot last time and expected to bounce back with headgear now applied.

Form: 253-134

(4)

Bahadur³⁸

Age: 4| Weight: 9-11| J: Cieren Fallon| T: S Woods| OR: 91| CD

9/2

Landed a hat-trick on the all-weather at the end of last year and added to his tally in a 5-runner C&D event off 1 lb lower in May. Seems to have gone off the boil judged on his last 2 efforts, though.

Form: 510579

(2)

Fireblade²⁰

Age: 5| Weight: 9-7| J: Saffie Osborne| T: Dylan Cunha| OR: 87| D

6/1

Developed into a useful stayer last year. Has run to that level just once this season (when second at Ascot in July) and needs to leave a laboured effort at York 3 weeks ago well behind.

Form: 0-44230

Non-Runners

(1)

Sax Appeal⁶⁵

Weight: 9-4| Age: 6

T: C Johnston J: Callum Shepherd

Forecasts

Manxman (8/11), Sax Appeal (7/2), Bahadur (9/2), Synergism (9/2), Fireblade (6/1)

MANXMAN looked as good as ever after a year off when fifth in a much better race than this at York 3 weeks ago, so this rates an excellent opportunity for him to resume winning ways off the same mark providing this relatively quick turnaround isn't an issue. The reliable Synergism is the obvious threat with his yard going great guns at present.