Going: Good (Good to Soft in places) | Pace Forecast: Very Strong

A competitive and informative 3yo handicap where a strong early gallop is expected to shape proceedings, placing the emphasis firmly on stamina and race positioning. The round course at this trip typically favours those ridden patiently, and Timeform’s pace map supports the idea that hold-up types may be best placed to capitalise.


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Strongest Contender: MANY MEN (Timeform Rating: 100p)

Jim Boyle’s progressive gelding made it 2-2 in handicaps when defying a 5-month absence to score convincingly at Doncaster over this trip. He travelled strongly and put the race to bed quickly, and while a 6lb rise pushes him to a career-high mark, his profile suggests he’s still ahead of the assessor. He’s a strong traveller with a finishing kick — an ideal profile for this contest given the forecast pace. Jim Boyle doesn’t have a notable record in this race, but his 3yo handicap strike rate this spring has been solid.


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Main Dangers

SING US A SONG (Timeform Rating: 91p)
Ralph Beckett’s colt makes his seasonal return, but his profile is worth noting. Closely related to the late Sir Erec, he won his maiden at Goodwood when needing every yard of the 1m1f trip, and shapes as though further improvement is to come over 1m2f+. The strong pace should suit his hold-up style. Beckett has a good record with horses returning from a break, although the market will be worth monitoring for signs of fitness – a big drift would be a red flag.

CIRCUS OF ROME (Rating: 98)
Won on return at Wolverhampton in tidy fashion, making all and seeing off Perfect Life and Hot Cash. He’s a strong traveller with tactical speed, but the projected pace here may catch him out if he’s forced to do too much early. Still, Richard Hughes’s 3yo handicappers are running well, and he’s a likeable type with some upside left. A more patient ride would improve his claims.

EUPATOR (Rating: 90p)
One of the more interesting improvers at a price. Bred in the purple – a half-brother to stakes performers and out of a half-sister to Midday – and he shaped better than the result at Yarmouth last time. He’ll appreciate this stronger tempo and longer trip, though he may still be learning on the job. Richard Hannon has won this race twice in the last ten years, and Eupator could be one to watch, especially if there’s strength behind him in the market late on.

HOT CASH (Rating: 92)
Ran third behind Circus of Rome and Perfect Life last time, shaping with plenty of promise off a break. He’s likely to be sharper for that outing, and Silvestre De Sousa retains the ride. Stays well, has solid form, and won’t be far away if building on his return.


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Others to Note

URBAN GLIMPSE (83p): From a hot yard (Andrew Balding) and should improve for this seasonal return. Won on the AW last season and could outrun his odds if fit.

STORMY MONDAY (92p): Impressive nursery winner over the trip when last seen, but 200 days off and a step up in grade means the market should guide.

PERFECT LIFE (90): Runner-up to Circus of Rome last time, and with Marco Botti boasting a strong record when sending a sole runner to a meeting, she shouldn’t be dismissed lightly.



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Trends to Consider

Trainer Wins: Richard Hannon has twice won this race (most recently in 2020), a positive for Eupator.

Running Style: Winners over the past decade have often been held up or waited with; those racing prominently tend to struggle unless getting a soft lead – a concern for Circus of Rome and Gunship.

Fitness off a break: While several winners have returned from layoffs, market strength is often the key indicator. Watch closely for movement on Sing Us a Song, Urban Glimpse, and Stormy Monday.



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Verdict

MANY MEN holds standout credentials with form, fitness, and race setup all in his favour. He looks the most likely winner if progressing again. SING US A SONG is the clear danger with improvement expected and a setup that plays to his strengths. EUPATOR and HOT CASH are two worth keeping on side for each-way or place interest, particularly if the market speaks positively.