Horse Racing
Season
HKJC World Pool Handicap - Form Comments

31/07/2024 14:26

1608m – Turf

1

Qirat

Not every horse is suited by this track but he won on his only start here. More recently he has not been beaten far in hot 1600m handicaps at Royal Ascot and Newmarket.

2

Cerulean Bay

Has won three of his ten starts most recently on 20 July when recording a career best victory at Haydock. Handles any ground but may be best on a slow surface.

3

Local Hero

Only run on turf so far was disappointing but bred for a grass surface. He showed a good attitude to win at Kempton in June, then too keen early on at Newcastle.

4

Mount Teide

Having looked gradually progressive over around 1400m, now moving up to this trip for the first time. Third when led for much of the journey at Sandown last time.

5

Westridge

Plenty of promise in novice company on his last two starts, latterly when narrowly beating a better fancied stablemate – who has won since – over this trip on quick ground at Windsor.

6

Ebt’s Guard

Only one career win but consistent efforts in all starts, and unlucky not to have finished closer when third at Ascot on 12 July. Seems happy on any ground conditions.

7

Apiarist

Gelded prior to his last start when he ran respectably after racing too freely early on. May be progressive but some more leniency by the handicapper could be needed.

8

Jungle Mac

Gained his second career victory when – prominently ridden – he proved too strong for seven rivals over this trip on fast ground at Newmarket on 20 July. 5lb higher now.

9

Treasure Time

Just too strong for a recent winner after a hard struggle to gain his first career victory, at Newmarket. Back there when only just beaten – up to this trip – last time. Chances.

10

Spanish Blaze

Raced too enthusiastically on his first start since being gelded here in May, but more relaxed in two starts since with a win and a second in Sandown 1400m handicaps. One to consider.

11

The Ice Phoenix

First Goodwood run for this colt who led throughout to win a 1600m Ascot handicap in May but has twice faded badly from prominent positions since.

12

Native King

Classily bred and proved that he was nicely treated for his handicap debut when too strong for his rivals at Chester. A decent fourth there subsequently, off the same handicap mark as now.

13

Diligent Resdev

Gained a last-stride victory in a 1400m York handicap in May. But couldn’t make the same impact off a 5lb higher mark at Thirsk next time. Improvement needed.

14

Rockstar Icon

Looked as though the rise from 1400m to this 1600m would suit when an encouraging fifth of 19 on his handicap debut at Newmarket in May.

15

Sir Gabrial

Reportedly improved significantly because of faster ground when surging 6.5l clear of his nearest rival at Salisbury last start on 24 July. On that evidence his penalty may not stop another big run.

16

Golden Pharoah

Had winning form when French-trained including in a 1500m handicap on the Deauville polytrack. But to this he will need to be sharper than on his three UK starts so far.

17

Bill’s Baar

Looked to put in a career-best performance when only just failing to win a 1400m York handicap on 27 July. No concerns with this return to 1600m.

18

Great Chieftain

In good shape, defeating eight rivals in a handicap over Newbury’s straight 1600m on 4 July, only just failing to follow up at Windsor subsequently.

19

Versatile

Did not make much impact in four runs in maiden company in Ireland. Very hard to fancy on his first UK start.

20

Diddy Man

Won two handicaps – including at this trip – for a different stable early this season. Soundly beaten last time and hard to recommend.