SIXTH RACE 8.30

THE EXPLEO HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 4)

for three yrs old

Total prize fund £12000

Owners Prize Money 1st £4819, 2nd £2410, 3rd £1205, 4th £602, 5th £301, 6th £150, 7th £76, 8th £37 (Penalty Value £6115.20)

Race Description

This is a one mile two and a half furlongs handicap race for three-year-olds which have been rated from 66 to 85 Like most handicaps on the flat this race is also open to horses that are rated below that particular band. However, all handicaps stipulate a minimum weight and no runner can carry less than that, irrespective of how low their rating is. This is often described as ‘running from out of the handicap and is considered a disadvantage.

colours no horse

1

Br Breeding

O Owner B Breeder J Jockey T Trainer S Sponsor

THEME PARK (GB) (34) 21-562

(6)

Br B c Lope de Vega (IRE) - Queen’s Prize Rowan Scott J

O Martin Webb Racing Nigel Tinkler, Malton T

B The Queen WJ Ltd S

TIMEFORMVIEWBought for 200,000 gns after winning a 7f Kempton novice last September Shaped well in a couple of handicaps at York last month, chasing home Quantum Leap over 1m latterly Could play a part if his stamina holds. TFRHHHII BHA87

2

TAJAWAL (IRE) (25) 2-331

9-9 (8)

Br B c Frankel - Feedyah (USA) Harry Davies (3) J

O Sheikh Ahmed Al Maktoum Simon & Ed Crisford, Newmarket T

B Godolphin

TIMEFORM VIEW Placed on his first three runs and didn’t need to improve to readily open his account (at the expense of Lil’ Frank) at Ayr last time. More to come returned to this distance for handicap debut, and he makes plenty of appeal. TFRHHHHH BHA85

3

BALANCE PLAY (IRE) (27) 43-23

9-7 (1)

Br Ch g Lope de Vega (IRE) - Bezique Hector Crouch J

O Valmont Ralph Beckett, Kimpton Down T

B Aston House Stud R M Beckett Ltd S

TIMEFORMVIEWHashadtheformofhissecondina7fSalisburynovice onreappearancestronglyboostedbythewinnerand third since and he shaped well when third at Epsom last time. Remains with potential and should take a hand. TFRHHHHI BHA83

4

RAZONI (IRE) (12) 122422

Br B c Lope de Vega (IRE) - Malaspina (IRE)

O Mrs A. G. Kavanagh

B Kildaragh Stud

9-4 (4)

Jason Watson J

George Boughey, Newmarket T

TIMEFORM VIEW Winner of 7f Newcastle novice in February and filled the runner-up spot for the sixth time when second at Doncaster last time. Step back up in trip and first-time blinkers could bring about a bigger effort. TFRHHHII BHA80 (+1)

5 NOODLE MISSION (USA) (143) 000-151

Br B g Noble Mission - Driver’s Girl (USA)

O Mr Ed Babington and Partner

B River City Racing LLC

9-3 (3)

Daniel Tudhope J

Michael Bell, Newmarket T

Michael Bell Racing S

TIMEFORM VIEW Improved for a step up in trip earlier this year, winning twice at Wolverhampton. Has the scope for better still, so capable of featuring if he’s as effective on turf after 4 months off

6 LIL’ FRANK (GB) (25) 34-22

Br B g Frankel - Pepita (IRE)

O Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum

B Rockcliffe Stud

TFRHHHII BHA79

9-3 (7)

Jack Mitchell J

Roger Varian, Newmarket T

TIMEFORM VIEW Frankel colt who has shown fairly useful form, second to Tajawal in maiden at Ayr last time. Unsure to turn the tables with that rival but should get the longer trip.

7 MANDEGA (FR) (95) 303102 D

Br B g Panis (USA) - Ana Style (FR)

O Mr Samuel Sutton

B Simon Urizzi & Sarah Brel

TFRHHHII BHA79

9-1 (5)

Aiden Brookes (5) J

Micky Hammond, Middleham T

Phillips Sutton Associates Ltd S

TIMEFORMVIEWFair performer in France and ran well in a claimer at Fontainbleau when last seen 3 months ago. Interesting to see the market vibes on debut for a new yard.

TFRHHIII BHA77

Br Br or Gr c Australia - Lady Aquitaine (USA)

Shane Gray J

O Mr Michael Watt and Mr Brett Watkins Ian Williams, Alvechurch T

B Sahara Group Holdings

TIMEFORM VIEW Shaped well in a Newbury maiden last October and, while he’s yet to match that, he’s bred to do more and appeals as the sort to do better now back up in trip for handicap debut. One to consider TFRHHHHI BHA71

DECLARED RUNNERS 8 2022: BOX TO BOX (IRE) 3 9 5 Cieren Fallon 6-4 (Hugo Palmer) 5 ran Blinkers worn first time by No. 4. Visor worn by No. 2. Tongue Strap worn by No. 4. Running for the first time since Gelding No. 7.

Stewards Note:

LIL’ FRANK: Following its run on 5/6/2023 it was reported that the horse hung left handed late-on.

Probable S.P.’s: 11-4 Tajawal (IRE), 5-1 Balance Play (IRE), 6-1 Theme Park (GB), Lil’ Frank (GB), 9-1 Noodle Mission (USA), 10-1 Razoni (IRE), 14-1 Gordon Grey (IRE), 33-1 Mandega (FR)

TAJAWAL shaped well amidst greenness when third at Wolverhampton on his seasonal comeback and he’s since got off the mark in comfortable fashion at Ayr. A bigger performance is expected and he’s preferred to Balance Play who arrives on the back of a solid showing at Epsom. Gordon Grey is another likely improver on his first go in handicaps.