Racecards
15:30 Brighton
Stan James Telebetting Handicap (Class E) (Class E)
- 10 Runners
- Distance: 7f 214y
- Going: Good to Firm, Firm in places
Aragon's Boy
12- Form 054-001
- Age 4
- Weight 10-0
led to 5f out, pressed leader until weakened over 1f out
- Form 222-014
- Age 4
- Weight 9-12
- Trainer Miss B Sanders
- Jockey S Sanders
took keen hold, held up and behind, brief effort 2f out, eased when no chance final furlong
- Form 010043
- Age 5
- Weight 9-7
- Trainer D Nicholls
- Jockey Adrian Nicholls
took keen hold, held up in touch, led over 2f out, edged left over 1f out, headed just inside final furlong, outpaced final 100 yards
- Form 000-010
- Age 6
- Weight 9-4
pressed leader, led 5f out to over 2f out, soon weakened
- Form 006005
- Age 7
- Weight 9-2
- Trainer J Spearing
- Jockey J Mackay
chased leaders, ridden halfway, weakened over 2f out
- Form 000050
- Age 4
- Weight 8-13
- Trainer M R Channon
- Jockey S Hitchcott
always rear, struggling final 3f
Poppyline
22- Form 0-00U36
- Age 4
- Weight 8-9
- Trainer W R Muir
- Jockey S J Drowne
chased leaders, ridden and every chance over 1f out, one pace final furlong
- Form 006340
- Age 7
- Weight 8-9
held up in touch, headway when not clear run on rail 2f out, led just inside final furlong, driven and ran on well
- Form 053060
- Age 4
- Weight 8-9
- Trainer R Flower
- Jockey T P Queally
slowly into stride, always rear, struggling final 3f
- Form 406-005
- Age 5
- Weight 8-8
- Trainer A W Carroll
- Jockey I Mongan
reared in stalls before start, dwelt, towards rear, ridden and headway over 3f out, every chance entering final furlong, kept on but not pace of winner
In depth
Verdict
Henry Candy's Aragon's Boy won a weak maiden over course and distance last month for which the handicapper has raised him 6lbs and preference is for the proven form in this grade of Franksalot, who gets the nod over Londoner. The selection has been in good form of late, with a win here and close fourth at Epsom in his last two starts. Both of those have been over seven furlongs but Brooke Sanders gelding showed last term that he stays a mile well enough and he maybe too good for his rivals today. Simon Dow's Londoner has been showing more consistency this term and has to be respected. He rates a bigger threat than the David Nicholls-trained Border Artist, who gives the impression of being in the grip of the handicapper. Mister Clinton disappointed earlier in the week but has the assistance of Darryll Holland and that takes the eye. Senior Minister won a seller over course and distance two outings ago but has been well beaten since and more solid claims are held by the selection Franksalot.