This is a fierce renewal of the Golden Miller – one of the hardest puzzles of the week – and punters will need more than just class to land this. With plenty of smart novices stepping into handicap territory, it’s one of those races where bookmaker prices and profiles don’t always match up, which is exactly where we hunt for value.

💡 Value Verdict #1 – CALDWELL POTTER (10/1)

There’s a sense Paul Nicholls has had this mapped out for months. His horse has been keeping better company, ran well behind Gidleigh Park, and importantly hasn’t bottomed out in small-field prep races. The step up to 2m5f looks ideal. He travels strongly, jumps cleanly, and if there’s pace, he’ll be smuggled into it late. Timeform still rates him better than we’ve seen. Too big at double figures.

💡 Value Verdict #2 – LORD OF THUNDER (10/1)

Quietly improving and still under the radar, this one won cosily last time and has stamina in spades. He ticks pace profile boxes, is strong in the finish, and trends back him up. He’s not flash but he’s built to win a race like this. With a good gallop forecast, he’ll be staying on past tired legs. Looks a classic type – progressive, tough, overpriced.

💡 Dark Horse – OMOORE PARK (80/1!)

Yes, the price looks ridiculous but this is a horse who’s gone close in decent races, was unlucky when falling, and now has a major jockey upgrade with Sean O’Keeffe. His trends profile is fair, and if you’re playing wide perms, he’s a proper throw-in for tricast or big placepool coverage.

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🔎 Other Key Runners (with caveats)

• SPRINGWELL BAY (6/1) – Looks solid, classy, and has a monster trends profile, but is now tightly priced and may just be vulnerable late on if this becomes a war.
• FIREFOX (6/1) – Graded class, Timeform loves him, but keeps trading short in-play and folding. That tells you he might not be one to dig in under pressure.
• INSURRECTION (33/1) – A classic value trends lurker. Has the profile to sneak into 5th/6th. Might be more of a back-to-lay on Betfair, but not without a squeak.
• ES PERFECTO (40/1) – Another strong trends scorer, and has Timeform upgrades post-Sandown. Looks better than the market thinks.