A lightning-fast early gallop is forecast in this big-field sprint, with several habitual trailblazers likely to overdo it. The pace should set up perfectly for those drawn high and able to pounce late, especially with proven stamina for 6f+ on soft.

🔝 Top Contender – KEKE (Draw 8)

✅ ProHandicap Max Adjusted Rating: 111 (Top-Ranked)
✅ Course & Distance winner, ended last season with a devastating 3¾L win over C&D in a hot handicap
✅ Lynam excels fresh; only a mild -2lb fitness adjustment after 182-day break
✅ Well suited to a collapse in pace, drawn high enough to sit and pounce

💬 Timeform says: “Looks one to keep on side this campaign.”

⚠️ Dangers

• 🥈 SPORTING HERO (Draw 3) – Adj TFR: 108
  🚀 In form, progressive and fit from a strong winter campaign; front-runner but adaptable
  ❗ Drawn low (stall 3) is a worry against the bias, but deserves danger status on recent ratings
• 🥉 GO ATHLETICO (Draw 11) – Adj TFR: 107
  ✅ Solid return behind Laugh A Minute, form of that race working out well
  ✅ High draw + closing style + soft ground all positives
  ❗Trainer McGuinness has a great record in this race (won in 2023, 2022)

💰 Each-Way Value

• TWO STARS (Draw 1) – Adj TFR: 106
  ❌ Poor draw, but horse is progressive and ran to 107 on return
  ✅ If pace collapses hard across the board, might sweep through late from far side
  🎯 Improving 5yo with more to come
• HEAVENLY POWER (Draw 5) – Adj TFR: 105
  ✅ Multiple wins last year including Curragh; solid closing style
  ❗Off 168 days, but profile suggests he can go well fresh
  💬 Could sneak into places if there’s a pace meltdown

📌 Summary

• Strongest Contender: 🟩 KEKE – proven in conditions, drawn well, trainer excels fresh, perfect setup.
• Dangers: 🟨 SPORTING HERO (if overcoming draw), GO ATHLETICO (ideally drawn and fit).
• Each-Way Value: 🟦 TWO STARS (despite draw), HEAVENLY POWER (reliable and closing type).

👀 Watch the market for further clues, especially for KEKE and GO ATHLETICO. Both could go off shorter if the pace angle proves strong in earlier races.