DUMFRIES has been cut plenty of slack by the handicapper and shaped much better than the bare result at Beverley last time. He makes plenty of appeal. Book Of Life and Nicely Curved may prove the chief threats.
Dumfries
Book Of Life
Nicely Curved
Win or Each Way
Each Way terms: 1/5 odds for first 3 places
4. African Spirit
J: Billy LoughnaneT: Ian Williams
F: 08/8-78333
Price History:
-
Age:
5
Weight:
9-5
Gear:
cheekpieces and tongue strap
Official Rating:
51
Days Since Last Run:
19
Verdict
Sole success came at Newcastle for Ben Brookhouse on debut in 2023. Back in good form of late though for new yard, most recently when creditable third of 11 in handicap at Lingfield (7f, AW) 19 days ago. One of likelier contenders.
1. Book Of Life
J: Paddy BradleyT: Patrick Morris
F: 24527324
Price History:
-
Age:
6
Weight:
9-9
Gear:
cheekpieces
Official Rating:
55
Days Since Last Run:
17
Verdict
Remains a long a time without a win but made the frame again when fourth of 8 in handicap at Musselburgh (1m, good to firm) 17 days ago, nearest finish. Enters calculations.
3. Dumfries
J: James SullivanT: Ruth Carr
F: 456-55443
Price History:
-
Age:
6
Weight:
9-5
Gear:
-
Official Rating:
51
Days Since Last Run:
13
Verdict
Below last winning mark and arrives on back of creditable third of 10 in handicap at Beverley over similar trip 13 days ago. One to consider.
6. Nicely Curved
J: Sean Dylan BowenT: Hayley Burton
F: 7/9-273333
Price History:
-
Age:
6
Weight:
9-1
Gear:
cheekpieces and tongue strap
Official Rating:
47
Days Since Last Run:
46
Verdict
Made the frame all 4 starts this season, latest when creditable third of 10 in minor event at Yarmouth (1m, firm) 46 days ago. Cheekpieces now added for first time and ought to go well again on handicap/tapeta debut.
2. Knightmare
J: Alexandra McDonnellT: David Evans
F: 52221255
Price History:
-
Age:
4
Weight:
9-7
Gear:
blinkers
Official Rating:
53
Days Since Last Run:
15
Verdict
Gained reward for a string of solid efforts when shedding maiden tag in classified race at Chepstow (1m) in July and posted fine second at Ffos Las 4 days later. Below that level since, however, and others look better treated.
7. Lhebayeb
J: Rose DawesT: Richard Price
F: 59160944
Price History:
-
Age:
8
Weight:
9-1
Gear:
hood
Official Rating:
47
Days Since Last Run:
63
Verdict
Struggles for consistency nowadays but scored in a classified event over C&D in March and ran to a similar level here on her penultimate start. Below par at Ffos Las since but better expected back at this venue with hood reapplied.
5. Spring
J: Laura CoughlanT: Miss Celine De La Haye
F: 58756262
Price History:
-
Age:
4
Weight:
9-4
Gear:
tongue strap
Official Rating:
50
Days Since Last Run:
30
Verdict
Fourteen runs since last win in 2024 for Richard Hughes. Made the frame a couple of times at Les Landes more recently but it's hard to know the value of that form.
8. First Encounter
J: Luke MorrisT: John Gallagher
F: 21605408
Price History:
-
Age:
5
Weight:
8-13
Gear:
blinkers
Official Rating:
46
Days Since Last Run:
55
Verdict
Successful twice on all-weather earlier in the year but not been in same form more recently. Fairly treated if revived following a break. 1 lb out of the handicap.
9. Hammal
J: Callum HutchinsonT: Max Young
F: 6/7000960
Price History:
-
Age:
5
Weight:
8-13
Gear:
cheekpieces and tongue strap
Official Rating:
46
Days Since Last Run:
34
Verdict
Yet to trouble the judge after 8 attempts and is readily passed over. Cheekpieces on for first time.