'He's really found his feet' - can progressive Ed Walker colt complete a hat-trick in big-field Nottingham handicap?

Three-year-olds have won four of the last six runnings of this race – it was divided in 2020 – and the three last-time-out winners all come from that age group.  

Stormy Monday is the most experienced and successful of the three-year-olds. He had Arbitration behind in fourth when backing up his Epsom win at Doncaster last month when looking capable of better still. A 5lb rise may not stop him, particularly given the runner-up Crystal Mariner won nicely next time at Kempton. 

The penny began to drop on Mawood's penultimate start at Windsor, where he was outpaced before staying on to finish third. He confirmed that impression when grinding out a first victory when upped to this trip at Redcar. 

He has a smart Shadwell pedigree, but this race will demand much more off a 4lb higher mark. Similar comments apply to King Al, who was raised the same amount for his brave win at Newbury in August.

Caughtredhanded is an intriguing puzzle. He faded tamely when tried in blinkers and a visor on his last two outings, but those efforts came behind classy horses (now rated 94, 87, 95, 84 and 103 compared to his mark of 75) and a gelding operation and cheekpieces could prove the catalyst for transformation. 

Suzette Deyofe is a winning half-sister to Group 1 scorer Simca Mille, who ought to come on for her adequate August reappearance. She may be best watched here off an opening mark of 79, however.

The most appealing of the older brigade are Asteverdi, whose last win came at this track and off this mark, and Due To Henry, who is 4lb lower than when last successful and ran encouragingly after a wind operation last time.
Analysis by Maddy Playle

Going latest

The going at Nottingham on Tuesday was good to soft, soft in places. The forecast is for it to remain dry.

What they say

William Knight, trainer of Beach Point
He probably found the ground too heavy at Sandown last time. The going should be fine here and, apart from the wide draw [stall 15], he'd go there with a very good chance.

William Stone, trainer of Tipsy Tiger
I just hope the ground is soft enough. He needs softer ground and I hope it doesn't dry out too much.

Ed Walker, trainer of Stormy Monday
I hope he can complete a hat-trick. He's really found his feet now and is in great form. He did the job well at Doncaster last time and is only 5lb higher here.

Harry Eustace, trainer of Mawood
It was good to get his head in front last time. We were really looking to go a mile and a half, but there were none of those until the end of the month so it's a nice stepping stone for that.

John Butler, trainer of Ghost Story
Her form is good and we're hoping for another big run.
Reporting by Charlie Huggins

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