Overview:

This 0–65 handicap has attracted a modest field of 8 older horses, many with patchy profiles but a few arriving with more recent positives. The draw and pace usually favour those racing prominently at this trip here, and the forecast pace being only even looks set to suit such runners.


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Strongest Contenders:

HIGHLAND OLLY (TFR 79, OR 65)
Grant Tuer’s 4-y-o ran a solid second on seasonal debut at Redcar (behind a next-time-out winner) and is worth forgiving a subsequent poor run when stepped up in trip and racing too freely. Reverts to more suitable conditions and is well positioned tactically.

BELTANE (IRE) (TFR 78, OR 62)
Got the run of the race when second at Doncaster last time, but that still reads as one of the stronger pieces of form here. Has had a wind op and goes well when able to dictate. From stall 2, he’s drawn to attack again.

MISEMERALD (IRE) (TFR 78, OR 64)
Small filly but posted a respectable effort on return from 6 months off, finishing fifth at Catterick. She should come on for that run, though might prefer a stronger pace than forecast.



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Main Dangers:

RUSSIAN VIRTUE (TFR 77, OR 59)
Interesting if able to dictate from the front, though recent form under current yard has been uninspiring. Has dropped in the weights and may strip fitter for his reappearance.

LITTLE TED (TFR 77, OR 56)
Multiple winner last year, including under this jockey. Often needs a run to come forward and is not the most reliable starter, but the market should be noted now he’s had that comeback spin.



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Interesting Outsiders:

SAVED LIZZIE (TFR 77, OR 56)
Has run creditably in modest company on the AW and could grab a place if bouncing back. Lacks tactical speed but Jack Callan’s 7lb claim brings her in nicely at the weights.

SUNDAY BELLE (USA) (TFR 72, OR 55)
First run for Ian Williams (again) after a spell in Dubai. Off 483 days and looks a watching brief unless notably strong in the market.



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Trends & Trainer Notes:

Trainer to Note: Mark Walford, handler of Beltane, has a modest record at Nottingham but is capable of readying one when the ground is in their favour.

Tim Easterby (trainer of Little Ted) is going well lately and his runners often improve for a first run back.

Watch the Market: Both Little Ted and Sunday Belle return from absences of 60+ days—keep an eye on market moves or notable drifts which could indicate intent (or lack thereof).



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Verdict:

HIGHLAND OLLY is the most solid on recent form, gets ideal conditions, and is tactically suited to how the race may unfold. BELTANE is a danger from the front if allowed an easy time, while MISEMERALD looks likely to come forward for her recent reappearance. Market moves for Little Ted and Sunday Belle could be revealing.