A further 2 lb nudge from the handicapper doesn't look enough to prevent CASTAN making it 4 in a row since fitted with cheekpieces. Monk's Dream and King's Crown arrive in form and can give Bryan Smart's charge most to do.
Castan
Monks Dream
Kings Crown
5f Hcap
Each Way terms: 1/5 odds for first 3 places
1. Alligator Alley
J: Billy LoughnaneT: Ruth Carr
F: 86162476-
Price History:
-
Age:
8
Weight:
9-10
Gear:
-
Official Rating:
79
Days Since Last Run:
142
Verdict
C&D winner. 12/1, bit below form sixth of 14 in C&D handicap when last seen in October. First run for yard after leaving David O'Meara. Possibility he'll need the run but Loughnane has been booked.
2. Zarzyni
J: Callum RodriguezT: David & Nicola Barron
F: 72757818-
Price History:
-
Age:
8
Weight:
9-10
Gear:
cheekpieces
Official Rating:
79
Days Since Last Run:
159
Verdict
Latest win at Musselburgh in September but off since a lesser run at Wolverhampton the following month.
3. Monks Dream
J: S. B. KirraneT: Tim Easterby
F: 7/0050-722
Price History:
-
Age:
4
Weight:
9-8
Gear:
-
Official Rating:
77
Days Since Last Run:
9
Verdict
C&D winner. Good runner-up efforts here in recent weeks and should go well again.
4. Castan
J: Paul MulrennanT: Bryan Smart
F: 0344-6111
Price History:
-
Age:
5
Weight:
9-7
Gear:
cheekpieces
Official Rating:
76
Days Since Last Run:
14
Verdict
Has reacted really well to cheekpieces, completing a front-running hat-trick under Paul Mulrennan when seeing off 9 rivals over C&D 14 days ago. Can defy the handicapper again.
5. Dark Kestrel
J: Cam HardieT: Antony Brittain
F: 32435454
Price History:
-
Age:
5
Weight:
9-5
Gear:
tongue strap
Official Rating:
74
Days Since Last Run:
9
Verdict
C&D winner. Eleven runs since last win in 2024. 5/1, bit below form fourth of 8 in C&D handicap 9 days ago.
6. Our Absent Friends
J: Jason HartT: Tristan Davidson
F: 5843-6437
Price History:
-
Age:
7
Weight:
9-3
Gear:
-
Official Rating:
72
Days Since Last Run:
14
Verdict
C&D winner. 2 lengths seventh of 10 to Castan over C&D (8/1) 14 days ago. Eased another 2 lb but need to see more.
7. Kings Crown
J: Rhys ElliottT: Michael Dods
F: 50-418321
Price History:
-
Age:
5
Weight:
8-10
Gear:
cheekpieces and tongue strap
Official Rating:
65
Days Since Last Run:
12
Verdict
In good form, including a ready C&D win 12 days ago. Merits consideration.
8. Herakles
J: Mark WinnT: Paul Midgley
F: 16696527-
Price History:
-
Age:
5
Weight:
8-10
Gear:
-
Official Rating:
65
Days Since Last Run:
122
Verdict
C&D winner. 9/2, last of 7 over C&D when last seen in November. Might need this after 4 months off.