GB - Sandown Park - Race 5

Thoroughbred

6 Runners

Handicap

Turf

Good to Firm (Good in places)

15.5K

VIEW

Verdict

ASCENDING STAR arguably did too much too soon with front-running tactics retained when third on handicap debut here last month but with the drop to 7f in his favour, Owen Burrows' 3-y-o is fancied to double his tally. His main danger may emerge from Thursday Girl, who took advantage of a good opportunity at Nottingham recently and should remain competitive back in a handicap. Desert Shadow rounds off the shortlist.

numberFire Picks

Horse Stats

#/Silk	Horse#/Horse	Power Rating	High Speed	Win %	Top 3%	Win Prob	Odds
4	Third both starts last summer for James Owen. Showed much improved form on stable debut to open his account in 5-runner novice at Lingfield (7.6f, good) on return and matched rather than bettered that form when third of 10 on handicap bow here last month. Remains of interest dropped to 7f. 1st Pick 4 Ascending Star (Ire) Jockey: Callum Rodriguez Trainer: Owen Burrows J: Callum Rodriguez T: Owen Burrows	100	-	-	-	19%	9/2
Analysis Third both starts last summer for James Owen. Showed much improved form on stable debut to open his account in 5-runner novice at Lingfield (7.6f, good) on return and matched rather than bettered that form when third of 10 on handicap bow here last month. Remains of interest dropped to 7f.
6	Took advantage of a good opportunity to break her run of seconds and get off the mark in 5-runner maiden at Nottingham (8.3f, good to firm) just under 3 weeks ago, doing do so in workmanlike fashion in a muddling affair. Should be competitive back in a handicap. 2nd Pick 6 Thursday Girl Jockey: Kieran Shoemark Trainer: Ed Walker J: Kieran Shoemark T: Ed Walker	97	-	-	-	24%	10/3
Analysis Took advantage of a good opportunity to break her run of seconds and get off the mark in 5-runner maiden at Nottingham (8.3f, good to firm) just under 3 weeks ago, doing do so in workmanlike fashion in a muddling affair. Should be competitive back in a handicap.
1	Was well backed and having done nothing wrong for a change, readily won 4-runner event at Lingfield (7.6f, good to firm) just over 3 weeks ago, sealing it with a turn of foot. Nudged up 3 lb for that and could well kick on now up and running. 3rd Pick 1 Desert Shadow Jockey: Oisin Murphy Trainer: Saeed Bin Suroor J: Oisin Murphy T: Saeed Bin Suroor	98	-	-	-	27%	11/4
Analysis Was well backed and having done nothing wrong for a change, readily won 4-runner event at Lingfield (7.6f, good to firm) just over 3 weeks ago, sealing it with a turn of foot. Nudged up 3 lb for that and could well kick on now up and running.

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Horse Racing Basic Terms

Bute

Shortened word for phenylbutazone, the common non-steroidal medication legal at most racetrack.

Exercise Rider

A rider built much like a jockey but is employed for exercising and working out horses in the morning.

Bolt

A sudden veering to the inside or outside rail, often caused by the horse spooking or shying from something.