A small but intriguing five-runner field lines up for this fillies’ handicap, staged on good to firm ground. Although limited in quantity, there is no shortage of quality, with several progressive types bringing strong recent form to the table.

The pace forecast is weak, suggesting those ridden handily could be at an advantage around Brighton’s turning track. In a tactical race, positioning and race fitness could prove decisive.

Strongest Contenders

Lady Ridgewood

Trainer: Peter Chapple-Hyam
Jockey: Jack Doughty (3)
Adjusted Timeform Rating: 90
Lady Ridgewood shaped with significant promise on her latest start at Newbury, finishing a close second to a subsequent winner after a five-month break. Timeform notes that she was “suited by the step up in trip,” and her pedigree, being a sister to Group winner Mutamakina, strongly hints at further progress over middle distances.
The stable is having a relatively quiet season, but Chapple-Hyam has produced smart winners in similar conditions in the past. With natural improvement, she appeals as a leading player in this field.

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Santorini Star

Trainer: William Haggas
Jockey: Tom Marquand
Adjusted Timeform Rating: 89
Santorini Star was progressive last year, winning twice on the all-weather, but made only a fair return to action at Lingfield last time, finishing fifth. However, she is bred to come into her own on turf, being a half-sister to top-class miler Dreamloper, and represents the red-hot William Haggas yard.
Tom Marquand boasts a 36% strike rate on favourites at Brighton (Timeform Smart Stat).
Still, with a 101-day layoff to overcome, the advice would be to watch the betting closely for any significant drift.

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Main Dangers

Manara

Trainer: Kevin Philippart de Foy
Jockey: David Egan
Adjusted Timeform Rating: 91
Manara made rapid progress on the all-weather through the winter, completing a hat-trick, and returned from a short break with a solid second at Wolverhampton. The question today is whether she can transfer that form to turf.
Her pedigree (by Camelot) offers encouragement in that regard, and if handling the surface, she would not be far away. However, she has been off for 22 days, and market support would be a positive.

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Interesting Outsiders

Substitute

Trainer: Charlie Johnston
Jockey: Sean Dylan Bowen
Adjusted Timeform Rating: 92
Substitute is an interesting contender stepping up in trip, a tactic that often pays dividends with the Johnston stable, who show a £33.66 profit to a £1 stake in such scenarios (Timeform Smart Stat).
Although she finished fourth at Southwell last time, she was not ideally placed in a steadily-run race.
On breeding, this longer trip could unlock further improvement, and she remains one to consider if ridden positively in what may become a tactical affair.

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Zayina

Trainer: George Boughey
Jockey: Jack Callan (7)
Adjusted Timeform Rating: 88
Zayina ran well when fifth on her seasonal reappearance at Leicester and is a reliable filly at this sort of level. She stays well and handles good to firm ground.
Although perhaps vulnerable to more progressive types, she is likely to be thereabouts if others fail to fire. Her trainer has not won this race previously, but George Boughey is a shrewd handler worth respecting.

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Trends to Note

• Trainer Charlie Johnston won this race in 2024 with The African Queen (also a filly stepping up in trip).
• Younger horses (3yos) have fared well historically in this race, suggesting Lady Ridgewood, Substitute, Manara, and Zayina have demographic positives.
• Watch for significant market moves, especially with those returning after a break (Santorini Star, Substitute, Zayina), where any drift could signal fitness concerns.

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Conclusion

In an open renewal, Lady Ridgewood holds strong appeal with her progressive profile and proven form over similar conditions. Santorini Star is a worthy opponent if ready to fire after her break, while Substitute is a compelling outsider stepping up in trip for a stable with a good record in this scenario.
Manara and Zayina also merit respect but may need others to underperform slightly to land the prize.