SKY BET FOR THE FANS HANDICAP (Class 2, 0–105), 7f15y, Good ground

A deep and tricky little 7f handicap to close the ITV card, featuring a blend of returning classy types, AW improvers, and track specialists. The pace map points to a strong gallop, with at least three habitual front-runners drawn low, and Timeform’s draw bias data flags low as favourable — giving a real edge to those stalking from just behind.

🧨 Strongest Contender: OUR HAVANA (Richard Fahey, Billy Garritty, drawn 3)

Rated 119 on Timeform’s adjusted ratings — the highest in the field — this gelding looked seriously progressive on the AW earlier this year, demolishing a decent field at Southwell before flopping when upped in trip and racing freely at Doncaster. That effort came in a race where several were caught racing too prominently, and he drops back to his optimal 7f trip here.

Crucially, he returns to turf just 4lb higher than his wide-margin win, and the stable has long targeted this April meeting to reintroduce turf handicappers. With strong figures, a good draw, and a race likely to set up perfectly, he ticks every box for a “go day.” Fahey also sends out Ramazan, but the booking of Billy Garritty here over Orr is a hint.

🔹 Timeform comment: “Potentially well treated back on turf… return to shorter trip ideal.”

---

🧨 Main Dangers:

🟧 ORIENTAL PRINCE (Jim Goldie, Amie Waugh, drawn 6)

A true momentum horse, with 6 wins since January, most recently bolting up at Southwell. While all those wins have come on AW and at sprint trips, he’s shaped as though 7f is well within range, and he’s bred to stay further. Jim Goldie’s team are flying, and this one has the hallmark of a smart turf gamble job. Lightly raced on grass but unexposed — and very dangerous if he handles the tempo.

🔹 Timeform comment: “Most progressive… not taken lightly in bid for four-timer.”
🔹 Go Day? Oh yes. Peak fitness, progressive profile, stable in red-hot form.

---

🟨 DAIN MA NUT IN (Lucinda Russell, Rowan Scott, drawn 1)

Very interesting profile. Won three on the bounce to end 2024, including twice at Musselburgh, and returns from 206 days off. While fitness is a slight question mark, the draw in stall 1 is golden, and he made all here before — ideal setup. His pace figures and running style suit today’s shape, and he’s still on the up based on his past Timeform figs.

🔹 Timeform comment: “Usually leads… Horse for the course.”
🔹 Go Day? Quite possibly. Trainer does have a quiet spell in spring, but this could be a target.

---

🟦 NEW IMAGE (David O’Meara, Daniel Tudhope, drawn 7)

Smart handicapper who ended last year with a win at Ascot and has run to Timeform figs of 108+ and 109+. His form stacks up and the booking of Tudhope catches the eye — he’s O’Meara’s go-to man for “intent” rides. But he’s returning from 218 days off, and may just need this before peaking later.

🔹 Timeform comment: “Not seen to best effect last time… useful handicapper.”
🔹 Go Day? Doubtful. Could sharpen up for York in May.

---

🧯 Handbrake Jobs / Caution Zone

• RAMAZAN: Classy on his day, but well below form in his last two and has something to prove. Drawn wide, long layoff (155 days), and might need this as a prep for York.
• GWEEDORE: Multiple wins at this course, but recent runs have been flat. Timeform notes he may “need a run”, and the form of Katie Scott’s yard has been quiet.
• CATCH THE PADDY: Often thereabouts, but 1 win from 20 says it all. Travelling Irish raider, could just be aiming for a nice run and a summer campaign.

---

📜 Trainer Watch

This race is a newer contest, and there are no previous editions to go by, but Fahey (OUR HAVANA) and Goldie (ORIENTAL PRINCE) are prolific Musselburgh winners and know how to land a spring blow. O’Meara’s NEW IMAGE fits the usual pattern — runs well off a break, but rarely wins fresh.

---

🏁 Summary

This race revolves around how strongly they go up front, and all signs suggest a blistering gallop. That brings stamina, positioning, and fitness into sharp focus.

🏆 Top Pick: OUR HAVANA

Back to best trip, top fig in the field, good draw, strong pace in front — this is a textbook Fahey handicap setup.

⚔️ Main Dangers

• ORIENTAL PRINCE: Dangerous streaking improver with raw speed and a top yard behind him.
• DAIN MA NUT IN: Unexposed, loves Musselburgh, and could control the race from the front.
• NEW IMAGE: Classy handicapper, just one to watch for “next time” rather than today.