A highly competitive renewal in a race in which three year olds have generally struggled to make an impression over recent years.
Suzi’s Connoisseur finished a close second last week to Majestic Moon and has been threatening to win a big field handicap such as this. He has risen 3lbs for that 1/2l second and has proven expensive to follow this season despite some solid performances in defeat and I am not convinced the 5.5f trip will be totally ideal under a penalty, albeit there is no doubt he remains in form. Last week also saw George Dryden romp home against his own age group but this is much tougher and a penalty on perhaps less than ideal ground makes him less appealing, he could still be on the up so is respected being turned out in quick succession.
B Fifty Two’s neck second to Maljaa looks solid form and with just a 3lb rise, could remain well-treated at 96 having been as high as 103 last season. However, preference is for stablemate Lucky Beggar who held B Fifty Two by 5l at Goodwood in July when giving him 3lbs and off level weights today, I cant help but think he is overpriced against the market favourite at 14/1. It turned out that he was drawn on the wrong side at York when last tipped up by 2ptswin and having travelled well into that race he finished best of those drawn high. The rain overnight will have certainly helped his cause as has the handicapper who has dropped him a further 2lbs to 96 from what was already a generous mark and he should have absolutely no issue with getting a toe into the race this time drawn in stall 19 with notoriously fast starters Indescribable and Tangerine Trees drawn in 18 and 20 respectively.
1Pt EW Lucky Beggar @14/1 Ladbrokes Portland, Doncaster 14:35 (5 places paid with several bookmakers including bet365 and Skybet)