This race might be labelled a handicap, but history shows it often goes to horses with graded back-class, clever campaigns, or upwardly mobile types lurking just beneath the radar. Forget the flashy ratings. Find the horse that’s in the right place at the right time, and being underestimated.

🔍 Top Value Selections (in order of interest):

---

⭐ 1. FUGITIF (20/1) – Massive price, top handicapping profile

Ignore the fact he’s not a trends darling this year — he ticks the right profile boxes: proven Cheltenham form, a close third in the December Gold Cup, and he’s been campaigned cleverly with this as the target. Conditions and pace scenario should suit. Class horse, fair mark, and overpriced.

• Timeform 164, fair RPRs, handles a strong pace.
• Trainer knows how to place one here, and his staying-on efforts this season suggest he’s ready to strike.

---

⭐ 2. SEDDON (28/1) – Trends King + the Spring Horse angle

Most punters have written him off, but he won this last year off just a 7lb lower mark, and his BigRaceTrend Hunter score is among the best (2 hits — age and hurdle wins). Tipped away under a 5lb claimer again, he’s a spring horse and this is the day to catch him.

---

⭐ 3. MASACCIO (8/1) – Progressive with untapped potential

Not sexy for the price, but genuine improver who ran well behind Jagwar last time. Strong sectionals, form lines hold up well, and his upward curve puts him in the right zone for this sort of race. Timeform like him, and he’s a good each-way anchor.

---

⭐ 4. PATH D’OROUX (16/1) – Plot horse vibes + Cromwell Factor

You’d be daft to ignore Cromwell in these handicaps, and this one has a sneaky profile. Lightly campaigned, classy Grand Annual third last season, has mixed it at Grade 1 level, and looks laid out for this drop in trip.

• Fairyhouse second last time rated highly, ground and pace setup ideal.
• Each-way saver material, or combination perms banker.

---

⭐ 5. AN PEANN DEARG (12/1) – The potential Irish blot

Rising through the ranks fast, this one arrives off the back of two serious wins at Leopardstown. Could still be thrown in off 134, and the way he powered clear last time suggests he’s not done improving. Timeform ratings hint he’s well ahead of the mark.

---

❌ Overplayed/Too Short:

• JAGWAR (10/3) – Clearly progressive but this is a very different beast to novice handicaps, and he’ll need to cope with a hot pace and deep field of seasoned campaigners. Timeform have overhyped him, and there’s no juice in the price. Hard to knock, but not a bet at these odds.
• THECOMPANYSERGEANT (6/1) – Similar story. Nice type, but price has collapsed. Unproven in this sort of cavalry charge and lacks Cheltenham grit.

---