2m4f | 4yo+ | Going: Good to Soft (Good in places)
Pace Forecast: Strong — likely to set it up for hold-up runners or strong stayers from midfield.

🔥 Race Overview:

A red-hot Grade 1 novice featuring an intriguing clash between upwardly mobile staying types and a couple of classy 2-milers stepping up in trip. The strong early gallop forecasted looks set to benefit those with proven finishing strength — and that plays right into the hands of one highly progressive Triumph Hurdle runner-up carrying a 10lb weight allowance.

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🏆 Strongest Contender: LULAMBA (Nicky Henderson)

A smart and scopey juvenile, Lulamba lost his unbeaten record in the Triumph Hurdle, but enhanced his reputation in the process. Timeform rated that run 166+, and crucially, he receives a 10lb weight allowance from his rivals here. That alone puts him pound-for-pound well clear on adjusted ratings.

🧠 Timeform comment: “Much improved when second of 17 to Poniros in the Triumph… always close up in a well-run race and edging ahead briefly late on… remains a very exciting prospect.”

He saw out that strongly-run race with relish, and the extra distance here (2m4f) should pose no stamina threat — in fact, it could unlock even more. With pace to suit, a handy mid-division sit, and a serious turn of foot, he looks incredibly tough to beat.

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⚠️ Main Dangers

🟡 HORACES PEARL (Fergal O’Brien)

Unbeaten in five career starts (3 bumpers, 2 novice hurdles), this leggy son of Authorized has barely come off the bridle so far. His Aintree Grade 2 bumper win last season reads particularly well. Returned off a break to win at Newbury over this trip and did so on the bridle, showing plenty of latent class.

🧠 “Very smart prospect… followed up in novice hurdle last time hard held.”

This will be his acid test, but he’s got a powerful cruising speed and the physique of a horse that will stay further — ideal traits for this stamina-sapping test off a strong pace.

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🟡 MIAMI MAGIC (Stuart Edmunds)

Has run into two quality horses in recent starts — second to Potters Charm in the Formby Novices’ Hurdle and behind Tripoli Flyer in the Dovecote. He keeps finishing his races well and looks tailor-made for 2m4f.

🧠 “Sure to stay at least 2½m.”

While he may lack the raw zip of Lulamba, he’ll be staying on when others have cried enough — ideal place play in this setup.

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🟡 FINGLE BRIDGE (Olly Murphy)

Lightly raced, strong-staying type who has rattled off three in a row after a long absence. Latest win came in a listed race at Exeter, which he took with a touch of authority despite signs of greenness.

🧠 “Suited by emphasis on stamina… open to further improvement.”

He may not have faced this level of opposition yet, but he’s tough and improving — and he’ll love the gallop.

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🟡 REGENT’S STROLL (Paul Nicholls)

Has a consistent profile, and the addition of a first-time hood could sharpen him up. He holds Timeform figures in the mid-140s, which puts him just behind the best on bare form, but he’s been campaigned steadily and may still have more to come.

🧠 “Will make a chaser… raced keenly; may benefit from hood.”

The concern is whether he’ll settle well enough to finish strongly — if the hood works, he’s a live each-way shout.

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❌ Others to Note Briefly:

• Koktail Divin: Stylish maiden win but hasn’t faced this level yet. May get outclassed late.
• Honesty Policy: Game type for Gordon Elliott. Improving, but needs to step up again off Leopardstown novice form.
• Funiculi Funicula & Castle Carrock: Look a notch below on current evidence.
• Moon Phases: Too raw; likely here for experience.