This 10-runner Class 5 handicap for older horses over 7f is expected to be run at a strong pace according to the Timeform pace map, with multiple prominent racers including Naval Academy, How’s The Guvnor and My Mate Mike likely to go forward. There’s no significant draw bias reported.

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Strongest Contenders:

LEAP DAY – ⬆️ Timeform Rating: 87
Returned from a 10-month break with a good second at Catterick behind Capital Guarantee. He travelled strongly on that occasion and shaped as if the run would bring him on. That form has a solid look and he races off the same mark. Prominent racer who should be well positioned in this field. Worth noting he’s trained by Tim Easterby, who remains in good form.

DELICACY (IRE) – ⬆️ Timeform Rating: 83+
Interesting on stable debut for James Owen, who has a profitable record with single runners at Flat meetings. She was below form in her last three starts for previous connections, but market support would be telling. This is her first start for 63 days. She’s already a Chepstow winner at this trip and goes well on fast ground.

MY MATE MIKE (IRE) – ⬆️ Timeform Rating: 83
Arrives in winning form after making all at Chelmsford (Class 6, 7f), showing speed and resilience under pressure. He’s proven on both turf and AW and may get an easy lead if breaking sharply. Slight rise in class but not dismissed given his consistency in 2024 (4 wins).

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Main Dangers:

OUTRUN THE STORM (IRE) – ⬆️ Timeform Rating: 85
Course and distance winner who was placed on his return in March and ran respectably at Catterick last time. Usually a forward-goer but has also settled just off the pace. Reliable and well suited by conditions.

TOUCHWOOD (IRE) – ⬆️ Timeform Rating: 83
Often races freely but has strong early pace. Placed on seasonal return at Southwell and not seen to best effect since. A projected strong pace may not suit unless he settles, but he’s handicapped to get involved if things fall right.

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Interesting Outsiders:

HOW’S THE GUVNOR (IRE) – ⬆️ Timeform Rating: 83
Not disgraced on either start this year and now 2lb below his last winning mark. Timeform notes he can be slowly away but tends to do better when racing handily, which may suit today’s likely pace scenario. Jennie Candlish’s yard is ticking over steadily.

EXQUISEMENT – ⬆️ Timeform Rating: 79?
Had a wind op before return and shaped as if the run would bring him on at Thirsk. Could improve for this second start of the season and should appreciate the return to 7f, though his mark looks about right for now.

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Trainer Trends:

• James Owen (Delicacy) and J.R. Jenkins (My Mate Mike) both show strong level stakes profits when sending a single runner to a flat meeting, as per Smart Stats.
• No standout historical trainers for this specific race noted, though Ian Williams won the 2024 running with Charencey.

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Trends and Tactics:

• Pace Forecast: Strong – could set things up for something stalking or held up, provided it’s not too fast to collapse completely.
• Going: Fast ground form is advantageous here; several runners are proven on good to firm.
• Time Off Watchlist: Believe You Me (214 days), Thoughtful Gift (17 days) and Exquisement (9 days) are worth monitoring in the market, especially those returning from longer breaks.

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Each-Way Angles (10 runners):

• LEAP DAY looks a solid top 3 proposition given fitness, recent form, and pace suitability.
• DELICACY may offer value if market support comes on stable debut.
• HOW’S THE GUVNOR is worth including in wider exotics or place markets given his mark and likely prominent racing style.