A fascinating renewal of this two-mile handicap chase, where testing conditions could play a major role in determining the outcome. Small fields like this often turn tactical, and with no obvious out-and-out front-runner, race positioning and pace will be key.

Market Leaders

ETALON (9/4) Dan Skelton’s charge is an obvious contender, and it’s not hard to see why he heads the market. He progressed rapidly as a novice last season, including an impressive C&D success off 131. He’s now only 4lb higher, suggesting he’s well handicapped, but his form this season has been below expectations. A strong pace could bring out the best in him, but with no guaranteed front-runner in the field, there’s a slight concern he may find himself in a tactical battle.

MARTATOR (11/4) A progressive sort for Venetia Williams, who had looked an exciting prospect when rattling off five consecutive wins. However, his last two runs have been below par, finishing third at Kempton and a well-beaten seventh at Ascot over further. The key angle is that Venetia’s yard was under a cloud when he last ran, but she’s since returned to form. A drop back to the minimum trip and conditions in his favour make him a likely threat if bouncing back.

Potential Market Misses

GUNSIGHT RIDGE (11/2) This 10-year-old is an interesting proposition, as he looked a likely winner at Cheltenham before falling at the last, and his latest effort at Kelso is easy to forgive. More significantly, he’s back in first-time cheekpieces, which produced a career-best at Perth last season. If the headgear works again and he’s ridden more prominently, he could be the one to capitalise if the front pair underperform.

CLASSIC MAESTRO (8/1) Has been climbing the ranks steadily and completed a hat-trick before finishing third in a competitive handicap at Haydock. While that form isn’t quite at the level of the top two, he remains unexposed over fences and could go well at a price if others underperform. The main concern is whether this race will be run to suit, as he typically does best when there’s a strong pace to close into.

SOLO (8/1) A former Grade 2-winning novice who has struggled for consistency but showed better signs at Ascot last time. He’s still got the class to be involved but has a bit to prove in terms of translating ability into results at this level.

Tactical Considerations

With no confirmed front-runner, this could turn into a steadily-run contest, which might not suit horses like ETALON and CLASSIC MAESTRO, who do their best work when the pace collapses.

MARTATOR could be the one to take the race by the scruff of the neck, and if he does, he’ll take some pegging back, but if there’s hesitancy in the pace, GUNSIGHT RIDGE might be best placed to pounce, especially with the headgear back on.

Betting Strategy

• GUNSIGHT RIDGE (11/2) – Worth chancing at the price with cheekpieces back on. If he sits handy, he has every chance of springing a minor surprise.
• MARTATOR (11/4) – The strongest of the market leaders if bouncing back. Venetia Williams’ yard is back in form, and conditions should be in his favour.

The market has this as a two-horse race between ETALON and MARTATOR, but with pace concerns and headgear angles in play, there’s definite value in GUNSIGHT RIDGE at 11/2.

Verdict:

1st – GUNSIGHT RIDGE
2nd – MARTATOR
3rd – ETALON