Strongest Contender

WISE EAGLE (Adam Nicol / Daniel Tudhope)

The defending champ is back — and everything points to a serious repeat bid. Timeform’s comment that he’s “rather leggy” and “races well off pace” is music to the ears in a race predicted to be run at a strong gallop.

He’s clearly been primed with a spring hurdles campaign — placed on last four starts over timber/AW, including a very solid run behind Roaring Legend in January. Won this race last year off a lower mark but arrives in equal if not better form. Clearly stays, acts on all ground, and is tactically spot-on for this setup.

Verdict: Peak-trainer target, proven track winner, strong-finishing style — rock-solid contender.


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Main Dangers

ALIGN THE STARS (Charlie Johnston / Joe Fanning)

Big horse, progressive in staying handicaps last summer and returned with a bang 10 days ago when a ¾ length 3rd in listed company. Timeform notes he “usually races close up,” which may not be ideal with the pace setup, but he’s tactically versatile.

Johnston is 2 from 5 in this race since 2018 (Brandon Castle 2018, Austrian School 2019), and this one looks another deliberate tilt. Third run after gelding and still open to more.

Trainer intent: High.
Form: Fit, fresh and thriving.
Danger Level: Red-hot.


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WILD WAVES (Andrew Balding / Oisin Murphy)

Last seen contesting the St Leger — that’s Group 1 company, and while he was well held, the race was too hot. Has been gelded and returns off a long break, but Andrew Balding’s yard is flying (Timeform “hot trainer” flag) and he won this race with Morando in 2017, so he knows how to land it.

The worry? His front-running/forward style could be punished with pace pressure. That said, he’s lightly raced and classy.

Trainer Intent: Strong.
Go Day potential? Yes, but prep may be tight.


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KIHAVAH (Adrian Keatley / PJ McDonald)

Career-best turf form to end last season (beat Euchen Glen by daylight at Ayr), and has been kept ticking over via a hurdles prep. The Timeform view that he was “in command approaching final 1f” at Ayr is worth noting — he stayed powerfully that day.

Trainer may have him spot-on now, especially as he was better than the bare result in his last hurdles outing.

Trainer intent: Medium-high
Pace style: Sits handy — should cope fine.
Definitely one to fear.


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Others to Note: Go Day vs Handbrake?

LIEBER POWER (Andrew Balding, 25/1)

Timeform pace note flags him up as “ridden with restraint” – ideal for this race.
Was a non-threatening 9th on return at Kempton (slowly away, caught wide), but that may have been exactly the blowout he needed. With Balding also fielding Wild Waves, this one looks sneaky — could be the “hidden hand” job from the yard.

Go Day? Could be – the Timeform pace hint is telling.


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CHILLINGHAM (Edward Bethell, 161 days off)

Bethell flagged as hot trainer, but this one often goes well fresh and his second to Not So Sleepy at Newbury reads well. Down the field in the November Handicap when the ground was heavy and not in his favour.

Could be trying, but this might be a season-shaper, not a win job.


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AIMERIC (K. R. Burke)

New to the yard, top weight, long layoff. Smart type, but this smells like a handbrake still half-on. No clear evidence this is a target, and others are sharper.


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Spotting Intent Clues

Charlie Johnston (ALIGN THE STARS) – Two previous winners of this race. Has three in here, but ATS is the clear #1.

Andrew Balding (WILD WAVES / LIEBER POWER) – Both of his could be live. WW the obvious play, LP a stealthy closer on the bias.

Adam Nicol (WISE EAGLE) – Trained this horse to peak for the race last year. Same script unfolding now. This is the race.



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Summary – TimeWise Verdict

Top Pick: WISE EAGLE – Proven winner of the race, flying fit, loves a strong pace. All systems go.

Main Dangers:

ALIGN THE STARS – Form pick, live Johnston plot.

WILD WAVES – Class act, but has to deal with setup and fitness.

KIHAVAH – Feels underestimated. Consistent, stamina-laden and sharp from hurdles.


Sneaky Each-Way Play: LIEBER POWER – Wrong price if pace collapse occurs.