A cracking 2-mile burn-up, and as usual, it’s stacked with classy types and a few lurking plot jobs. Let’s break it down with your private handicap eye in mind — lbs, pace, profiles, and price value.


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Top Contenders (ProHandicap Lens)

1. MY MATE MOZZIE (TFR 160 / OR 151)

Strong Form Match + Big-Race Temperament
Fourth in the Grand Annual (top class handicap benchmark), off 151 here which is absolutely fair. Travels sweetly, finishes off strongly — if the pace is honest, he could pounce late.

> +6 subjective trainer/jockey boost
+2 Cheltenham-to-Aintree bounce factor
Likely True Odds: 7/2 (value @ 5/1)




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2. CALICO (TFR 164 / OR 140)

Current Form + Tactical Fit
Winner off a similar mark at Cheltenham, and third behind Brookie at Doncaster reads well. Can sit handy and pounce. Skelton has targeted this — strong vibes.

> +3 lbs Skelton team in spring handicaps
+2 tactical pace setup here suits
Likely True Odds: 6/1 (value if 11/1 holds)




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3. PRIMOZ (TFR 159 / OR 130)

Lightly Raced, Well-Handicapped Improver
That Kelso win was a canter — a 54-length stroll. He’s still unexposed and the Grand Annual run was a total throwout due to the false start mess. Could be thrown in off 130.

> +4 Skelton springer potential
Neutral pace profile — adaptable
True Odds: 4/1 (fair at 11/2 fav)




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4. SANS BRUIT (TFR 162 / OR 130)

Last Year’s Winner – Same Mark
If Paul Nicholls has him tuned up and allowed to dictate, he could easily repeat. Back to a winnable mark. Just needs to be left alone early.

> +4 lbs race setup (last year’s win context)
+2 trainer record in spring premier handicaps
True Odds: 6/1 (real value @ 7/1)




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Lurkers with Upside:

THE FOLKES TIARA: Late bloomer with back-to-back strong Irish form. Could improve again – Rachael a huge plus.

PETIT TONNERRE: Won well before unlucky BD. Jonjo Jr up, could sneak into it late.

RATH GAUL HILL: Progressive, strong closing sectionals last time, 10st featherweight is a weapon.



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Final Handicap Groupings (Lbs Gap):

Group 1 (0-2 lbs): My Mate Mozzie, Primoz, Calico

Group 2 (3-5 lbs): Sans Bruit, The Folkes Tiara, Petit Tonnerre

Group 3 (6-9 lbs): Rath Gaul Hill, General Medrano, Gunsight Ridge



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Recommended Bets (Value Focused):

Win – My Mate Mozzie (5/1) – just ticks every major box

Each-Way – Calico (11/1) – tactical angle + mark screams potential

Each-Way – Sans Bruit (7/1) – big player if he gets an easy lead

Wildcard EW – Rath Gaul Hill (9/1) – sneaky well-in with upside