Surface: Polytrack | Going: Standard/Slow | Pace Forecast: Weak
Field Size: 6 runners | 0-80 handicap for 4yo+

A small-field staying handicap where tactics and track position are likely to prove decisive. With no strong confirmed front-runner, the pace looks set to be steady, suiting those who race prominently or have tactical speed to get into position. Several of these are familiar rivals and have form ties, and the race is likely to be won by the one who best handles both the tempo and the final-furlong sprint.


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Strongest Contender: ROGUE TORNADO

Trainer: James Owen | Jockey: Hector Crouch
Timeform Rating: 91
A likeable, improving 5yo who wasn’t seen to best effect last time out at Wolverhampton. He finished fourth to Cardano but had a troubled run — “not clear run over 2f out and shuffled back”. That effort can be upgraded, and he had previously scored easily at Southwell, suggesting there’s still mileage in his mark. With the likely tactical pace in mind, his ability to race close-up is a big asset.

> Timeform says: “Ran creditably despite not seen to best effect… not clear run and shuffled back.”




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Main Dangers

ROBUSTO (IRE)

Trainer: Eve Johnson Houghton | Jockey: Billy Loughnane
Timeform Rating: 87
Back on track when second at Wolverhampton last time, only headed late after being hampered by a loose horse. That run proved he retains all his ability and can be competitive at this level. Races prominently and stays 2m well, so the steady pace could again play to his strengths.

> Timeform notes: “Back on track… headed final 1f having been hampered behind loose horse.”




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ARTISAN DANCER (FR)

Trainer: Charlie Johnston | Jockey: Jack Mitchell
Timeform Rating: 93
The top-rated runner on Timeform figures, returning from a 249-day absence. His profile is solid: tall gelding, proven stayer, and effective on polytrack and tapeta. He’s won off this sort of mark before and placed multiple times in stronger races. However, the layoff and the forecast slow pace might catch him out if he’s ridden with restraint.

> Timeform says: “Boasts a fine record on the all-weather and is just 1 lb above the mark off which he scored early last year.”




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Other Notes

CINNODIN: Has led in the past and beat Zoran over C&D in 2024, but hasn’t fired in recent starts. He usually wears headgear and has faded out tamely twice since January. With the pace unlikely to be strong enough for him to dominate, he’s vulnerable in the finish.

ZORAN: Won at Kempton in January (narrowly beating Robusto), but his latest effort at Lingfield was flat, finishing a remote third. A confirmed front-runner, but in this field he may struggle to get a soft lead, and others appeal more on current form.

HEBRIDEAN NOMAD: Lightly raced 4yo from Andrew Balding’s yard, but yet to win over this sort of trip. His sixth behind Rogue Tornado at Southwell wasn’t inspiring, and though he’s unexposed, he has ground to make up.



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Summary & Verdict

This race looks tailor-made for ROGUE TORNADO, who brings solid all-weather form, is tactically versatile, and had legitimate excuses for his recent defeat. With a weak early pace forecast, he has the ideal profile to sit handy and pounce late.

Robusto looks the most solid alternative, also likely to be well-positioned and running off a fair mark, while Artisan Dancer, although rated highest, may need this run and could find the race shape going against his usual hold-up style.


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Verdict:
1st – ROGUE TORNADO
2nd – ROBUSTO
3rd – ARTISAN DANCER