The Cammidge Trophy often sets the early-season tone for sprinting talent, and this yearâs renewal brings together battle-hardened Listed and Group performers returning from winter campaigns. With a strong pace forecast and good to soft ground, expect those who can sit just off the early burn to be best suited.
â Strongest Contender: Marshman
Marshman arrives race-fit and sharp from a trio of strong AW runs this winter, including a Listed win and a close second at Southwell last time out. Heâs proven at this level, stays the trip well, and won’t be inconvenienced by the pace setup. Co-top rated on adjusted figures, he holds a solid chance to land the prize if translating his AW form back to turf.
â ď¸ Main Dangers
- James’s Delight â Timeformâs top-rated and an upwardly mobile 4yo with Listed and Group-level form. He shaped well in the G1 Champions Sprint on his final 2024 start and is best on soft ground. However, the 161-day break earns him a small fitness knock, and he may be vulnerable to race-fit rivals first time out.
- Al Shabab Storm â A classy and versatile front-runner who has won in Britain and Germany. He ran well on return at Wolverhampton and boasts the profile of a Listed performer who can sit prominently without needing to lead â a good fit for this setup. Rates a real threat at a fair price.
- Spycatcher â Proven Group performer and consistent at this level. Heâs another who can go close, but has to overcome a 161-day layoff and may just need the run.
đ° Each-Way Value: Witness Stand (22/1)
An intriguing outsider with a Listed win to his name last season and excuses for his return run in Saudi Arabia. Now with Dr Richard Newland & Jamie Insole, he has strong back form, handles soft ground, and sits right in the Danger Zone on adjusted ratings. With likely race-fitness and a more favourable setup here, he looks overpriced and offers standout each-way value in a race where many are returning off long layoffs.
đ§ž Verdict
- Win Pick: Marshman â Fit, fast, and form in the book
- Big Dangers: James’s Delight, Al Shabab Storm
- Each-Way Value: Witness Stand â 22/1 looks far too big
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