Brighton preview: Course specialist Byrd weighted to strike

Byrd In Hand has a terrific record at Brighton and can take advantage of a drop in the weights to further enhance it with victory in the 1m handicap on this evening’s card (19.55).

The John Bridger trained gelding has notched three of his four career successes at the seaside venue, and two of those have been over this evening’s trip.

In the last of those, the eight-year-old easily beat Black Dave by three lengths off a mark of 57.

Byrd In The Hand went on to finish a highly creditable 3/4 of a length third at Windsor off 62, and is now able to race off just 55.

That is 2lb lower than when last successful and gives the son of Fasliyev major claims from a handicapping perspective.

Although Byrd In Hand failed to sparkle in his first three runs this season, he usually needs a few outings to put him right and duly posted a much improved effort last time out over course and distance when third of 11 to Malih.

Byrd In Hand travelled strongly at the head off affairs, but was given an overly aggressive ride and paid the price when weakening close home to be beaten 2 1/4 lengths.

However, it was a huge step back in the right direction and Byrd In Hand looks weighted to get back to winning ways if building on it.

Apprentice jockey Edward Greatrex is enjoying a tremendous first season, and Cape Victoria can provide him with another success in the 1m 4f handicap (19.25).

The young pilot has ridden 14 winners from 86 rides, and is terrific value for his 7lb claim.

In Cape Victoria, he partners a filly who after scoring in good style at Wolverhampton on seasonal reappearance ran very well to finish third to Curbyourenthusiasm on handicap debut at Windsor off an opening mark of 77.

The winner, to whom she was conceding 4lb, has scored again since and is now rated 89 and the form reads well in the context of this contest.

Cape Victoria is also now able to race off 2lb lower (75), and taking Greatrex’s claim into account looks dangerously well-treated.

Selections:
17.50: Gypsy Rider
18.20: Decisive
18.55: Street Duel
19.25: Cape Victoria (NB)
19.55: Byrd In Hand (NAP)
20.25: Juventas
20.55: Speculator