Racecards
13:45 Newmarket
Swaffham Handicap (Class C) (Class C)
- 23 Runners
- Distance: 1m 2f
- Going: Good to Firm
- Form 425-14
- Age 3
- Weight 9-7
mid-division, ridden over 3f out, weakened 2f out
- Form 1-2
- Age 3
- Weight 9-3
held up, headway 4f out, ridden over 2f out, kept on same pace approaching final furlong
Don Fernando
178- Form 130-
- Age 3
- Weight 9-3
- Trainer E A L Dunlop
- Jockey D Holland
in touch, ridden over 2f out, stayed on inside final furlong
- Form 21-30
- Age 3
- Weight 9-1
- Trainer A P Jarvis
- Jockey J Fortune
held up towards rear, switched right and headway over 2f out, ran on well inside final furlong, nearest finish
Shagraan
15- Form 000-1
- Age 3
- Weight 9-1
- Trainer J L Dunlop
- Jockey Pat Eddery
in touch, ridden over 2f out, stayed on under pressure inside final furlong
Salute (IRE)
181- Form 142150-
- Age 3
- Weight 9-1
held up mid-division, ridden 3f out, kept on same pace approaching final furlong
Balakheri (IRE)
170- Form 021-
- Age 3
- Weight 9-0
- Trainer Sir Michael Stoute
- Jockey Johnny Murtagh
close up, led 3f out, clear approaching final furlong, ridden out
- Form 31-
- Age 3
- Weight 8-13
- Trainer N Graham
- Jockey Mick Kinane
raced keen, held up, headway 3f out, hung right over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, eased inside final furlong
Barry Island
19- Form 001-104
- Age 3
- Weight 8-12
- Trainer D R C Elsworth
- Jockey Dane O'Neill
held up, headway 3f out, carried right over 2f out, ran on inside final furlong, nearest finish
- Form 324212-
- Age 3
- Weight 8-11
- Trainer G A Butler
- Jockey E Ahern
held up, headway 3f out, stayed on inside final furlong, never nearer
Lengai (USA)
210- Form 425-
- Age 3
- Weight 8-10
- Trainer E A L Dunlop
- Jockey Kieren Fallon
always towards rear
Affray (USA)
209- Form 241-
- Age 3
- Weight 8-9
- Trainer C & M Johnston
- Jockey K Darley
tracked leaders, ridden over 2f out, beaten when not clear run over 1f out, soon weakened
Graft
28- Form 031-3
- Age 3
- Weight 8-6
- Trainer B W Hills
- Jockey Michael Hills
close up, with winner 3f out, ridden over 2f out, weakened quickly over 1f out
Blagovest
166- Form 660-
- Age 3
- Weight 8-4
- Trainer H & R Charlton
- Jockey J Quinn
held up mid-division, ridden over 3f out, no impression
- Form 63610-0
- Age 3
- Weight 8-3
- Trainer B J Meehan
- Jockey D R McCabe
switched left soon after start, always in rear
Desert City
203- Form 345433-
- Age 3
- Weight 8-2
- Trainer R Hannon
- Jockey P Fitzsimons
tracked leaders, ridden 3f out, one pace approaching final furlong
Miss Gigi
14- Form 2340-63
- Age 3
- Weight 8-2
- Trainer M R Channon
- Jockey C Catlin
towards rear, never nearer
- Form 0044-
- Age 3
- Weight 8-1
- Trainer N A Callaghan
- Jockey D Fox
raced keen in mid-division, ridden and weakened over 2f out
- Form 430-1
- Age 3
- Weight 7-13
- Trainer B R Millman
- Jockey Gary Bardwell
raced keen in mid-division, ridden and weakened over 2f out
Lingo (IRE)
26- Form 300-1
- Age 3
- Weight 7-11
- Trainer Mrs J R Ramsden
- Jockey M Henry
held up in rear, switched right over 2f out, stayed on approaching final furlong, not trouble leaders
- Form 536-1
- Age 3
- Weight 7-10
led 7f, soon weakened
In depth
Verdict
A very difficult handicap to open proceedings at HQ with most of the top stables represented by relatively unexposed horses. Shagraan impressed with the manner of his victory at Ripon recently but has taken a big hike up the weights as a a result. Lingo sprang a surprise at Doncaster first time out but this looks a tougher assignment whilst Affray, Balakheri and Diamond Lover all impressed when winning at the end of last term but may need a run to put them spot on. It might just pay to take a chance on Liberty Royal who should be plenty fit enough after a good third to the smart Compton Dragon at Lingfield. If the winner is as good as his connections anticipate then Liberty Royal could takes this en route to better things this season.