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2.05 Sporting Times Sri Lanka Handicap (Class 5)

Master Top Two Rated Horses (TimeWise Total):

1. Fiorella Princess (IRE) (Total: 231)
2. Merrimack (Total: 229)

Fiorella Princess (IRE) – Age 3

• Recent Form: Her last ten runs show results of 61, 26, 14, 8, 5, 3, 2, 2, 2, 2 in order from latest to earliest. Her master RP rating is 77.
• Supplied Comments: Fiorella Princess is currently on a dangerous mark and has performed creditably in her last three starts. Cheekpieces are being reapplied, though previous attempts with them were unsuccessful. While her ability on slow ground is unproven, her sire’s record on soft/heavy conditions offers a degree of optimism.
• Assessment of Chances:
  • Strengths: Holds a potentially dangerous mark and has shown good form recently. Her sire’s progeny tend to perform well on soft/heavy ground, which could be an advantage given the conditions.
  • Weaknesses: Her previous runs in cheekpieces were not strong, so their return is a concern. She has yet to prove herself on slow ground.
  • Suitability: Her pedigree suggests potential for soft ground, but her own experience on such conditions is lacking.

Merrimack – Age 4

• Recent Form: His last ten runs show results of 58, 37, 11, 7, 6, 6, 3, 3, 2, 1 in order from latest to earliest. His master RP rating is 78.
• Supplied Comments: Merrimack has a previous win on soft ground. However, his best performances this year have been on good to firm ground. His last run at Goodwood was satisfactory, but he will require more improvement for today’s race.
• Assessment of Chances:
  • Strengths: Has demonstrated ability to win on soft ground in the past.
  • Weaknesses: His peak form this year has been on faster ground, indicating a possible preference for those conditions. His recent performance at Goodwood suggests a need for significant improvement.
  • Suitability: While he has won on soft ground, his recent form on good to firm suggests a potential preference that might not be met by today’s soft conditions.

Spotlight Verdict for 2.05 Sporting Times Sri Lanka Handicap:
Fiorella Princess is yet to race on slower than good to soft ground but her sire Sands Of Mali has a good record with his runners on soft and heavy ground (8-36 with a further nine placed) and she comes here in good form. She’s high on the list but SUB THIRTEEN should be at peak fitness now and he could be the answer back at 5f and on ground that won’t bother him.

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2.35 Sporting Times Sri Lanka Novice Stakes (GBB Race) (Class 4)

Master Top Two Rated Horses (TimeWise Total):

1. Esna (IRE) (Total: 315)
2. Midnight Bandit (Total: 189)

Esna (IRE) – Age 2

• Recent Form: Her latest run is rated 93. Her master RP rating is 92.
• Supplied Comments: Esna finished a strong second, beaten by 2 lengths, in a valuable C&D maiden for fillies on soft ground, behind a favoured horse with strong Newmarket debut form. The stable’s two-year-olds typically show considerable improvement after their first run. As a Starman half-sister to five winners, she is expected to be very difficult to beat.
• Assessment of Chances:
  • Strengths: Exhibited good form on debut over this course and distance on soft ground. Her pedigree is strong, being a half-sister to five winners, and trainer expectations are high for improvement.
  • Weaknesses: No obvious weaknesses mentioned for her second career start.
  • Suitability: Highly suitable for today’s conditions, having performed well on soft ground over the C&D on debut.

Midnight Bandit – Age 2

• Recent Form: His latest run is rated 47. His master RP rating is 47.
• Supplied Comments: Midnight Bandit was sent off at 28-1 for his Ascot debut (7f, soft) and, after leading early, ultimately finished a distant last. He needs to demonstrate significant improvement.
• Assessment of Chances:
  • Strengths: Led early in his debut, suggesting some pace.
  • Weaknesses: His debut performance was very poor, trailing home last and needing to show much more.
  • Suitability: Has run on soft ground, but his performance was unimpressive, suggesting he is not currently suited to these conditions based on that run.

Spotlight Verdict for 2.35 Sporting Times Sri Lanka Novice Stakes (GBB Race):
This can be won by a smart one, with Cosmic Year successful 12 months ago and Palace Pier in 2019. ESNA ran to a fair level on her debut here and she’ll encounter similar conditions this afternoon. With improvement on the cards, she’ll be tough to beat. Neither of the other two with experience showed anything like the same promise on their debuts, so Morshdi (second choice) and Montague Menace are likely to offer the most resistance.

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3.05 Sporting Times Sri Lanka British EBF Maiden Stakes (GBB/GBBPlus Race) (Class 4)

Master Top Two Rated Horses (TimeWise Total):

1. Accredit (Total: 282)
2. Plan C (IRE) (Total: 243)

Accredit – Age 2

• Recent Form: His latest run is rated 71. His master RP rating is 95.
• Supplied Comments: Accredit possesses a top-class pedigree, being a son of Dubawi and out of a winning half-sister to Enable. He was the 100-30 favourite for his C&D debut on soft ground last month, where he ran on strongly for a close third after being last turning for home. This was deemed a highly promising start.
• Assessment of Chances:
  • Strengths: Boasts an exceptional pedigree and demonstrated significant promise on his debut, closing strongly from a poor position on soft ground over this course and distance.
  • Weaknesses: No notable weaknesses identified.
  • Suitability: Highly suitable for today’s conditions, having already shown impressive form on soft ground over this C&D.

Plan C (IRE) – Age 2

• Recent Form: His last two runs are rated 73 and 24. His master RP rating is 63.
• Supplied Comments: Plan C has had both of his runs over 7f. He showed considerable improvement at Kempton (AW), finishing much closer to the runner-up than previously, running on encouragingly from off the pace. He is expected to break his maiden status soon.
• Assessment of Chances:
  • Strengths: Has shown progressive form, particularly his encouraging run at Kempton.
  • Weaknesses: Has primarily raced over 7f, so stepping up to 1m on soft ground is a new challenge. He might not possess the same class as Accredit.
  • Suitability: Has not explicitly shown form on soft ground, with his best recent effort on AW.

Spotlight Verdict for 3.05 Sporting Times Sri Lanka British EBF Maiden Stakes (GBB/GBBPlus Race):
It’s difficult to get away from the regally bred ACCREDIT who was last turning for home on last month’s C&D debut but made up his ground to finish a highly encouraging third. Plan C is up to winning races but might not be in the selection’s class. Hatteen will need to be some way above average if he’s to defy his lack of experience.

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3.35 Sporting Times Sri Lanka Fortune Stakes (Listed Race) (Class 1)

Master Top Two Rated Horses (TimeWise Total):

1. Chantilly Lace (IRE) (Total: 377)
2. Sallaal (IRE) (Total: 373)

Chantilly Lace (IRE) – Age 3

• Recent Form: Her last four runs are rated 108, 52, 27, 12. Her master RP rating is 119.
• Supplied Comments: Chantilly Lace secured her debut win on heavy ground. She has performed creditably in Group 1 races like the 1,000 Guineas and Coronation Stakes (on good to firm). Her recent third in a Group 3 at Ascot (1m, good), beaten by only half a length, was a strong effort. Dropped to a Listed race, she is considered a major player and is expected to benefit from slower ground.
• Assessment of Chances:
  • Strengths: Has a proven record on heavy ground and has competed well at Group 1 level. Her recent Group 3 placing highlights her current good form. The step down to a Listed race, combined with potentially slower ground, should suit her well.
  • Weaknesses: No specific weaknesses mentioned for current conditions.
  • Suitability: Highly suitable, with a debut win on heavy ground and an expectation to approve of slower ground conditions.

Sallaal (IRE) – Age 3

• Recent Form: His last four runs are rated 117, 51, 19, 13. His master RP rating is 119.
• Supplied Comments: Sallaal’s only defeat came in a Listed race; otherwise, he has maintained a low profile, winning novice races at Yarmouth and Hamilton. He comfortably won his handicap debut at Hamilton (extended 1m, good) and has also won on soft ground. This Frankel colt holds a Group 1 entry and retains significant potential.
• Assessment of Chances:
  • Strengths: Has a solid winning record, including on soft ground, and has shown significant progression. A Group 1 entry suggests high regard and potential for further improvement.
  • Weaknesses: His sole defeat was in a Listed race, which is the level of today’s contest.
  • Suitability: Well-suited to soft ground, having a prior win in such conditions.

Spotlight Verdict for 3.35 Sporting Times Sri Lanka Fortune Stakes (Listed Race):
Cicero’s Gift is smart on his day when encountering soft ground but conceding weight to 3yos is never easy in this race, with the youngsters having won eight of the last ten renewals. Chantilly Lace rates a massive threat at this level when she’s held her own in Group 1s but preference is for SALLAAL (nap). This Frankel colt has kept a fairly low profile thus far but he’s progressing well and a QEII entry is a strong hint that he could be capable of a clear career best here.

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4.10 Sporting Times Sri Lanka Fillies Handicap (Class 4)

Master Top Two Rated Horses (TimeWise Total):

1. Lady Mariko (Total: 282)
2. Niminy Piminy (FR) (Total: 280)

Lady Mariko – Age 3

• Recent Form: Her last ten runs show results of 76, 42, 13, 13, 8, 6, 4, 2, 2, 1 in order from latest to earliest. Her master RP rating is 82.
• Supplied Comments: Lady Mariko was 0-8 for the Crisfords but has since started successfully for her current yard with 7f wins on good to firm and good ground. Although she might be slightly high in the weights, she performed well to finish third here last week over 7f on soft ground. The return to 1m is not expected to pose an issue for her.
• Assessment of Chances:
  • Strengths: Demonstrated strong form with recent wins and a good third place on soft ground at this track. The step up to 1m is not a concern.
  • Weaknesses: Her current handicap mark might be on the higher side.
  • Suitability: Well-suited, having shown good form on soft ground recently and distance suitability.

Niminy Piminy (FR) – Age 3

• Recent Form: Her last four runs are rated 87, 23, 21, 11. Her master RP rating is 87.
• Supplied Comments: Niminy Piminy achieved her first two wins on the AW. Her sole turf start was a seventh-place finish as favourite in a 1m handicap at Ascot (good to firm). She ran very close at Kempton last time despite a poor start and is only 1lb higher today. However, soft ground is a complete unknown for her.
• Assessment of Chances:
  • Strengths: Has good form on AW and ran strongly last time despite a setback at the start. Her current mark is favourable.
  • Weaknesses: Her ability to handle soft ground is completely untested.
  • Suitability: Her suitability to soft ground is a major unknown and a significant risk factor.

Spotlight Verdict for 4.10 Sporting Times Sri Lanka Fillies Handicap:
Some market confidence behind NAGA would be welcomed as this is her handicap debut after a stretch on the sidelines. However, she chased home a Group-class filly in her sole run at two and her connections may have been waiting for some soft ground, on which her smart dam excelled. Niminy Piminy could be the danger if coping with conditions as she looked unlucky last time at Kempton. Maeva is third choice.

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4.45 Sri Lanka Paradise Island Handicap (Class 4)

Master Top Two Rated Horses (TimeWise Total):

1. Sir William (IRE) (Total: 308)
2. Dancing Tiger (IRE) (Total: 261)

Sir William (IRE) – Age 3

• Recent Form: His last ten runs show results of 84, 39, 15, 8, 7, 6, 4, 3, 2, 2 in order from latest to earliest. His master RP rating is 92.
• Supplied Comments: Sir William has been performing consistently well in 1m2f/1m4f handicaps, having narrowly missed following up his Windsor win at Newbury (1m2f, good) 20 days ago. Despite a 3lb higher mark, he has shown he handles soft ground and is expected to be a strong contender.
• Assessment of Chances:
  • Strengths: Possesses a solid handicap profile and has proven capable on soft ground. His recent form is strong and consistent.
  • Weaknesses: Carries a 3lb higher mark today.
  • Suitability: Highly suitable, with proven ability on soft ground and consistent form over similar distances.

Dancing Tiger (IRE) – Age 3

• Recent Form: His last seven runs are rated 86, 27, 9, 9, 4, 6, 3. His master RP rating is 91.
• Supplied Comments: Dancing Tiger was closely matched with Sir William in their previous Windsor encounter (good ground). He subsequently achieved a decisive win at Goodwood (1m2f), looking very comfortable on heavy ground. A 4lb rise in weight is considered manageable.
• Assessment of Chances:
  • Strengths: Impressive performance and comfort on heavy ground. His 4lb penalty is seen as fair. Has previously been competitive with Sir William.
  • Weaknesses: No specific weaknesses mentioned.
  • Suitability: Highly suitable, with strong recent form on heavy ground, making him well-equipped for today’s soft conditions.

Spotlight Verdict for 4.45 Sri Lanka Paradise Island Handicap:
As Jim Boyle has won two of the last three runnings of this race it’s well worth checking the market for any confidence behind his handicap debutant Jonnie. Atherstone Warrior needs a second look as he didn’t look in love with Epsom last time and that form was franked at the weekend. SIR WILLIAM has compiled a solid profile in handicaps and is taken to confirm Windsor placings with Dancing Tiger, despite the latter having since impressed on slow ground at Goodwood.

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5.17 Visit Sri Lanka Fillies Handicap (Class 5)

Master Top Two Rated Horses (TimeWise Total):

1. Itraaq (Total: 247)
2. Veraison (IRE) (Total: 229)

Itraaq – Age 3

• Recent Form: Her last three runs are rated 63, 20, 12. Her master RP rating is 76.
• Supplied Comments: Itraaq was a 575,000gns yearling purchase, but her career has had an underwhelming start over 1m-1m2f. She finished third in a small four-runner race at Nottingham and beat only one rival home at Goodwood 25 days ago. This is her handicap debut, and her ability on slower ground is unknown. She will wear a hood for the first time.
• Assessment of Chances:
  • Strengths: Her high yearling price suggests underlying potential.
  • Weaknesses: Her form to date has been disappointing, and she is making her handicap debut. Her suitability to slower ground is a significant unknown, compounded by the addition of a hood.
  • Suitability: Highly questionable on soft ground, as her performances so far have not been strong, and she is untested on these conditions.

Veraison (IRE) – Age 3

• Recent Form: Her last nine runs show results of 58, 25, 13, 8, 7, 4, 4, 2, 1 in order from latest to earliest. His master RP rating is 78.
• Supplied Comments: Veraison won a maiden at Wolverhampton over 7f last year. She has consistently placed third in four of her six handicaps (7f-1m2f), though these were on good ground or AW, and she was not overly threatening in any of them. She is expected to be competitive off an easing mark, provided she handles the ground.
• Assessment of Chances:
  • Strengths: Has shown consistency by placing in multiple handicaps and benefits from an easing handicap mark.
  • Weaknesses: Her best placed efforts have come on good ground or AW, making her ability on today’s soft ground uncertain. She hasn’t been overly threatening in her placed runs.
  • Suitability: Her suitability to soft ground is unproven and poses a risk.

Spotlight Verdict for 5.17 Visit Sri Lanka Fillies Handicap:
This race looks tricky and there’s an element of doubt about all of them on ground this slow. Oceans Charm looks the most solid to run well and is second choice, but a chance is taken that HOT TOPIC can improve under these conditions when her pedigree offers hope. Huggable is preferred of the others.