A small but competitive field of five lines up for this £13,085 contest, where tactical speed may be decisive given a “very weak” pace forecast according to Timeform. With the field lacking a natural strong front-runner, the race may develop into a sprint from the two-furlong pole. Handling the quick ground and being able to quicken will be key.

Strongest Contenders:

UNDER THE TWILIGHT (Trainer: Michael Blake | Jockey: David Probert)

• Timeform Adjusted Rating: 100
• Good-topped mare who shaped well on seasonal return when third at Doncaster, despite meeting trouble in running more than once. That race was over 7f, and her finishing effort suggested a return to 1m would suit ideally.
• Proven on good to firm ground and effective on a variety of surfaces.
• From a stable that may not boast course-winning history in this particular race, but the mare arrives in form and well-handicapped based on her best efforts of 2024.
• Positive Timeform Comments: “Staying on at the finish at Doncaster, suggesting this return to further should suit.”

NOISY JAZZ (Trainer: James Owen | Jockey: Harry Davies)

• Timeform Adjusted Rating: 97
• Lightly raced filly with a strong pedigree, being a half-sister to notable stayers such as Big Orange.
• Won a minor event at Newmarket last season but raced too freely when reappearing there recently, weakening late on.
• If settling better, she holds strong claims on her peak 2024 form, and with natural improvement for that comeback, should be competitive.
• James Owen is a progressive young trainer but has no previous wins in this specific event.

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Main Dangers:

BELLARCHI (Trainer: Grant Tuer | Jockey: Sam James)

• Timeform Adjusted Rating: 97
• Front-runner by preference and could be the only horse prepared to force the early pace.
• Won at Southwell in March but was below form next time when slowly away.
• Capable of bouncing back if breaking sharply today. Notably, Grant Tuer-trained horses often perform well on faster ground.
• With a weak pace forecast, her position near the head of affairs could prove a major tactical advantage if she gets an uncontested lead.

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Interesting Outsiders:

YOKKELL (Trainer: Kevin Philippart de Foy | Jockey: Paddy Bradley)

• Timeform Adjusted Rating: 99
• Dual-purpose mare who placed consistently on the Flat in Ireland last season, notably over longer trips.
• This is her first run since October (179 days off), and although she acts well on quick ground, she may be vulnerable to sharper types over this shorter distance.
• Pertinent Timeform Note: “Has worn headgear, tail flasher.”
• Advice: Given the lengthy absence, watch the market closely for signs of fitness or significant weakness.

BINT AL DAAR (Trainer: Kevin Philippart de Foy | Jockey: Phoebe Edwards (7))

• Timeform Adjusted Rating: 96
• Workmanlike mare who won at Wolverhampton and Newmarket last year but probably needs further than this mile trip.
• 23 days since her seasonal return where she was slightly hampered.
• The use of a 7lb claimer helps her weight, but she may lack the tactical speed to be effective in a slowly-run race.
• Advice: Although race-fit, her stamina is her asset, not a sharp change of gears — best watched unless the race develops into a test of stamina.

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Pertinent Trends:

• Trainers such as Sir Michael Stoute (Lights On, 2021) and Simon & Ed Crisford (Miss Marble, 2022) have historically won this race, but no runners today hail from their yards.
• In recent years, 4- and 5-year-olds have dominated, which fits the age profile of all today’s runners.
• Horses making their second start of the season (like Under The Twilight and Bellarchi) have tended to perform best historically — suggesting fitness is a notable advantage.

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Final Thought:

While Under The Twilight emerges as a logical and progressive choice based on form and race conditions, Noisy Jazz and Bellarchi are respected dangers — the former if settling better and the latter if allowed a soft lead.
Kevin Philippart de Foy’s pair, Yokkell and Bint Al Daar, could pick up pieces if this turns into a stamina test but look less suited to a sprint finish.

Given the weak pace forecast and the nature of the field, a tactical, positioning-led race is expected — and those with track craft and acceleration will be at an advantage.