A fiercely competitive closer to the Festival, the Martin Pipe often rewards unexposed novices or cleverly-campaigned handicappers. This year’s renewal is no different, with a big field, a strong pace forecast, and some lurking improvers ready to pounce.

⭐ Top Contender – Kopeck De Mee (W P Mullins) 9/4

A fascinating French import from the all-conquering Willie Mullins yard, Kopeck De Mee boasts serious potential. His Listed form from Auteuil marks him out as a possible Group-class horse in a handicap, and his opening mark of 136 looks generous.

• Timeform Rate him highly, and his profile screams “well-in”.
• His breeding and finishing sectionals suggest this intermediate trip will suit perfectly.
• The Mullins-Kelly combination has a strong record in this race, and market support adds confidence.

🧠 Verdict: If he handles the hustle and bustle of a big-field handicap, he could simply outclass these.

Fair Odds (Tissue v3): 3/1 | Market: 9/4

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⚠️ Biggest Danger – No Ordinary Joe (Nicky Henderson) 12/1

An old Festival hand, No Ordinary Joe was second in this very race in 2023 and returns with unfinished business. He’s run well fresh, and his recent spin was clearly a prep.

• Course form, track bias, and an experienced conditional jockey (Fred Gingell) all in his favour.
• Henderson has primed this one, and he’s likely better than his current mark of 139.

🧠 Verdict: Very likely to be played late off a strong pace, and could sweep past tiring rivals.

Fair Odds (Tissue v3): 7/1 | Market: 12/1

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💥 Best Each-Way Value – East India Express (Nicky Henderson) 11/1

A lightly-raced novice with an upward curve, East India Express has caught the eye with fluent front-running displays and can go well again under the promising Fred Gordon.

• RapidView and TFIM rate him well on distance and going suitability.
• His pace profile might seem a worry in a strongly-run race, but he’s not one-dimensional.
• Henderson’s superb Trk/Cls stats and the jockey’s excellent form suggest this one is still improving.

🧠 Verdict: A likeable each-way option, well-handicapped and progressive.

Fair Odds (Tissue v3): 15/2 | Market: 11/1

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✍️ Final Thought

Mullins has a stranglehold on this race historically, and Kopeck De Mee looks a typical Festival blot. But No Ordinary Joe is a canny old hand with a perfect setup, while East India Express represents the best balance of form, stats, and price in the each-way market.