Ground: Good (Good to Firm in places)
Pace Forecast: Strong – possibly very strong
Field: 10 declared, all aged 10+


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STRONGEST CONTENDER: THE WIDDOW MAKER

Trainer: Joe Tizzard | Jockey: Jack Tudor
TFR: 152+
Timeform Comments:

> “Took advantage of a much-reduced mark last time at Exeter and remains well treated on old form.”



He looked a rejuvenated force last time at Exeter, travelling with purpose and holding off a revived Spyglass Hill. He’s come down a long way in the weights and still retains a touch of class. Importantly, Timeform note he traded at twice his BSP mid-race last time, confirming a deep-run style. With a pace collapse possible, this sets up beautifully for him.

Trainer Angle: Joe Tizzard has 21% strike rate with chasers at ≤2m3f, and he runs two here — this is the one with momentum. Eyecatching jockey booking too.
Go Day Feel: Yes – low weight, dropped in grade, all signs suggest “let’s win again.”


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MAIN DANGERS:

1. NUMITOR (TFR: 150)

Trainer: Heather Main
Jockey: James Bowen
Last Year’s Winner – and has since landed three more veterans chases. Last seen cruising home at Ascot in March, he’s coming in hot. He’ll be handy early but doesn’t need the lead, which could be key if the pace turns brutal.

> “Bold jumper who usually races up with pace.”



Go Day Feel: Yes – target trainer with a proven record in these vets’ finals. No hiding place here — he’s here to go again.


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2. GLYNN (TFR: 154)

Trainer: Anthony Honeyball
Jockey: Sam Twiston-Davies
Big early-season chase form (Newton Abbot and Stratford wins) makes him interesting. Timeform note he’s “well handicapped on that early-season form” and the stable is in form. Comes here fresh off a break and may have been laid out for this.

> “Front runner/races prominently; returns from a break with stable going well.”



Go Day Feel: Likely Yes – last seen in a G2, now down in class, well-in on form. Could be dangerous if he controls the early fractions or tucks in behind.


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3. DUBAI DAYS (TFR: 149)

Trainer: N.W. Alexander
Jockey: Bruce Lynn
Course form counts, and he’s a Haydock regular with a win here in February and runner-up in this race last year. He stays, travels, and finishes off his races well.

> “Consistent sort… usually held up.”



Go Day Feel: Yes – reliable, and race shape should suit. Connections target these races with him.


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4. FLIC OU VOYOU (TFR: 150)

Trainer: Henry Hogarth
Jockey: Danny McMenamin
Won easily off a break last time at Newcastle — trainer sends just one to the card and has a £25+ profit per £1 level stake in these one-runner chase scenarios. That screams intent.

> “Cruised clear… a credit to connections.”



Go Day Feel: Yes – trainer stats, style, and freshness point to today being the day again.


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TRAINERS WITH HISTORY IN THIS RACE:

Heather Main – won it last year with Numitor, and she’s got him primed again.

N.W. Alexander – sent Dubai Days to place last year, has kept him in similar rhythm.

Joe Tizzard – no past wins but sharp eye for placing horses; The Widdow Maker is very much a plot horse.



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WHO’S TRYING? WHO’S NOT? (Go Days vs Handbrake Jobs)

Trying – “Go Day” Profiles:

The Widdow Maker – dropped to career-low mark before last win; fit, prepped, and set for repeat.

Numitor – last year’s winner, perfect prep, prime weight zone.

Flic Ou Voyou – trainer intent, gelding thrives fresh.

Glynn – break + well-handicapped, G2 drop-down, stable in form.


Handbrake Suspects:

Eldorado Allen – one-time G1 horse but seems to be drifting toward retirement; form shot, but mark dropped.

Whistleinthedark – errors and mid-race fade last time, possibly regressive now.

Le Milos – capable, but profile suggests more of a summer target type. May not want this firming ground or mad pace.



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TimeWise Conclusion:

This is a red-hot veterans’ chase, and several have clearly been lined up. The Widdow Maker looks a well-handicapped improver who suits the race shape and is the one to beat if things fall right. Numitor is rock-solid to repeat or place, while Glynn and Flic Ou Voyou have legitimate “go day” vibes.

TimeWise Top 4 (No Odds Factored):

1. The Widdow Maker


2. Numitor


3. Glynn


4. Dubai Days