Race Conditions and Pace Angle

The ground is described as Good, with no draw bias to consider over hurdles. The pace forecast is weak, with no natural front-runner in the field. Timeform flags this as favouring prominent racers, particularly Chauffeur Driven, whose run style benefits from a steady gallop. Conversely, Broomfield Gale, often held up, may find the lack of pace a negative if not ridden more forward.


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Contenders & Analysis

1. BROOMFIELD GALE (TFR 106§) – 7/10
Off a mark of 92 and running under a 7lb penalty, he finally got his head in front last week, quickening clear to win by 11L. However, his reluctant tendencies (ran out the start before) are concerning. If he consents, he’s the most talented in this line-up by a few pounds. Main danger is himself.

2. THE WIRE FLYER (TFR 105) – 7/10
Another penalised runner coming off a 66/1 shock win at Ffos Las. While not consistent, he did it well and this is a similar contest. Often unreliable, but if that effort is repeatable, he’s in the mix again. Lightly weighted and proven over the trip.

3. CHAUFFEUR DRIVEN (TFR 104) – 6/10
Profile suggests some latent ability, with a solid second to Diamatiste at Exeter standing out. Pulled up since on chase debut, but back over hurdles and potentially well-treated. Suspect temperament, but headgear retained. Could run well if in the mood.

4. LES’S JERSEY ROYAL (TFR 102) – 6/10
Consistent if limited, and shaped better than bare result at Uttoxeter last time when making a premature move. Blinkers stay on, and likely to benefit from the return to this trip. Could outrun odds and has some each-way potential.

5. MANALA (TFR 99) – 5/10
Dan Skelton-trained mare with a decent bumper run behind her, but hurdles form has been modest. She’s lightly raced and now drops slightly in grade. Interesting now Skelton reaches for Harry again, and the yard’s summer strike rate (20%) is notable. Market support would be interesting.

6. GETAWAY WITH YOU (TFR 101) – 5/10
Trained by a team with good single-runner stats (+£30.28 to £1). Travels well but often flatters to deceive. Head carriage has looked awkward and his best effort came on soft/heavy. Wouldn’t totally rule out in this weak race, but reliability is a worry.

7. SANDSCAPE (TFR 102) – 4/10
Henry Daly’s runner who shaped well in a Wetherby novice on heavy but hasn’t built on that since. Steps up in trip, which might help, but he’s been below form in both handicaps so far. Something to prove, though market move off 64-day break would be significant.

8. JYSUIS (TFR ?) – 2/10
French bumper form has not translated, and was well held on latest hurdles effort. Hasn’t beaten many home in a long time and isn’t proven over the trip. Hard to recommend based on current form. Very much an outsider.

9. CLOVER PASS – NON-RUNNER


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Trainers with Past Form in This Race

There are no historical records of this exact race being won by any of today’s trainers. However, Dan Skelton (Manala) and David Pipe (Chauffeur Driven) are both proven in similar Class 5 summer handicaps.


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Timeform Comments/Flags of Note

Broomfield Gale: “Not one to trust (has refused to race) but ability is there.”

The Wire Flyer: “Returned to form from out of the blue.”

Chauffeur Driven: “Temperament under suspicion.”

Les’s Jersey Royal: “Shaped better than result at Uttoxeter.”

Getaway With You: “Often travels strongly but no great battler.”



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Each-Way Angle

With 8 runners post-NR, there is scope for an each-way bet. Les’s Jersey Royal looks the most solid for a place, with some consistency and trackable efforts in similar races.


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Tissue Estimate (fair odds)

Broomfield Gale – 3/1 (strong form but unreliable)

The Wire Flyer – 7/2 (repeat of Ffos Las gives him a major chance)

Chauffeur Driven – 6/1 (moody but back to hurdles)

Les’s Jersey Royal – 7/1 (consistent and fair)

Manala – 8/1 (Skelton factor respected)

Getaway With You – 10/1 (flatters to deceive)

Sandscape – 12/1 (needs to prove handicap mettle)

Jysuis – 50/1 (uncompetitive form)



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Final Note

This is a low-grade, trappy handicap with plenty of unreliable types. Both recent winners, Broomfield Gale and The Wire Flyer, come with risk attached. Keep a close eye on the market, especially for Manala (Skelton) and Sandscape (long layoff). A late drift or strong support could be telling.