Why 4lb penalty may not be enough to stop Richard Spencer's last-time-out winner

Monday: 2.50 Windsor
Cazoo Handicap | 6f | 4yo+ | Sky

This is a highly competitive handicap on paper, but those who witnessed Bernardo O’Reilly’s impressive win at Doncaster’s opening turf meeting will be loathe to oppose him under just a 4lb penalty.

The eight-year-old, who has been rated as high as 94, made a mockery of an 84 rating in storming two and a quarter lengths clear under Hayley Turner.

He will encounter similar ground conditions this time, has run creditably over course and distance in the past, and Turner is on board again.

Proven race fitness is yet another factor firmly in his favour, with the likes of Indian Creek (164 days), Dancinginthewoods (200 days), Yimou (163 days) and Crazy Luck (170 days) all returning from winter hibernation.

Inver Park hasn’t raced for 157 days, but fitness is rarely a concern with George Boughey-trained runners and the booking of William Buick takes the eye.

The four-year-old, who was gelded over the winter, landed a 6f Ascot handicap for Mick Quinn off 77 last May, and is just 1lb higher on his first start for his new trainer.

Of the others, Many A Star shaped nicely when second to Arousing at Kempton last month, while Zim Baby also commands respect for the Mick Appleby and Silvestre de Sousa combination.

The mare left the impression she didn’t quite get home over Doncaster’s 7f when finishing three-quarters of a length third to Seven Brothers last month, and the drop back to 6f looks a wise move.

What they say

Richard Spencer, trainer of Bernardo O’Reilly
He won well at Doncaster and only carries a 4lb penalty so it makes sense to have a go as the handicapper will probably put him up more. Hayley Turner keeps the ride and she’s riding well at the moment. The bit of rain they’re forecast in the morning should see them in the shake up.

Tony Carroll, trainer of Recon Mission
It’s a very competitive race but it’s still early in the season for most of these horses so this will tell us a lot. He’s got a reasonable draw and should run a decent race but will improve from it.

Mick Appleby, trainer of Zim Baby
She ran a decent comeback over seven furlongs at Doncaster where she showed plenty of pace so we expect the drop back to six furlongs to suit. She’s come on for that and goes there with a decent shout.

Jim Boyle, trainer of Marlay Park
It’s a tough race but he’s had a recent run to blow the cobwebs away and I expect him to be on the premises from a decent draw in stall four.

Rod Millman, trainer of Crazy Luck
She had a very good season in the fillies' races last year but this looks very competitive. She’s in good form at home, however, and I expect her to run a sound comeback from a decent draw.

Heather Main, trainer of Mister Bluebird
He likes Windsor and we’re stepping him up in trip as we feel he’s a stronger horse this year so will appreciate six furlongs. He’s well drawn in stall one and we’re very much looking forward to the race.

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