12 declared. No draw bias reported. Pace forecast: even, which may hinder habitual hold-up types like Stressfree, and favour those more prominent like Plage De Havre.


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Contenders with Strong Claims

STRESSFREE (TFR 118) – 8/10
In-form and progressive for David O’Meara. Ran well at Doncaster and Epsom this spring, not ideally placed on either occasion. Has a decent record at this trip, but an even gallop might not play to his strengths. Must be respected on recent figures, though a tactical race could again compromise him.

THE REVEREND (TFR 113) – 8/10
Won well on handicap debut at Ascot last summer. A bit unlucky on final start at Doncaster, finishing with running left. Returns off a break (200 days), but William Haggas has a good record with such types (see Smart Stats). Lightly raced and open to further improvement over this trip. Market should guide.

ALMOSH’HER (TFR 114p) – 7/10
Progressive profile with two wins from three AW starts. Makes turf debut here and is unexposed at 1½m. First run for Karl Burke adds interest. A “p” Timeform rating suggests there’s more to come. Needs to prove effectiveness on turf, but one to note.

PLAGE DE HAVRE (TFR 116) – 7/10
Free-going type who posted two strong AW wins before being pulled up last time. That effort can be forgiven, given how freely he raced and the 2m trip. Drop back to 1½m on turf suits better. Useful on his day, but needs to settle better.

MARHABA THE CHAMP (TFR 117) – 7/10
Course and distance winner. Rarely ran to form last season but shaped as if retaining ability on comeback at Pontefract. First-time visor/tongue-tie combo applied now. Kevin Ryan is in strong form, and this reduced mark could be exploitable if he’s ready to strike.


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Dangers and Solid Handicappers

PARADIAS (TFR 116) – 6.5/10
Solid AW form over winter including a Kempton win. Not beaten far in the Easter Classic. Stamina should suit back at 1½m. Probably vulnerable to improvers but holds place claims.

KING’S CODE (TFR 115) – 6/10
Versatile and consistent, ran well last time behind a progressive type. A repeat of his Pontefract win puts him in the mix. David Evans’ sole runners at meetings have yielded profit historically (Smart Stat).

DARK MOON RISING (TFR 114) – 6/10
Handles different ground and won over the trip. Midfield in the Easter Classic off a break, better can be expected with fitness now improved. Could place if pace is strong enough.

SEE HECTOR (TFR 114) – 5.5/10
Third in a Group 2 at Meydan earlier this year. That form reads well, but lacks UK turf form and has a 74-day break to overcome. Watch the market for clues.


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Interesting Outsiders / Returnees

NAQEEB (TFR 116) – 5.5/10
Lightly raced and now with Julie Camacho. Second at Newbury over further last summer, but disappointed in Irish Cesarewitch. Has ability but could be one to watch off 227 days—market check advised.

LA PULGA (TFR 114) – 4.5/10
Front-runner who ran respectably on return. Seems a shade below the level of the main contenders, but could grab a place if able to dictate.

MAX MAYHEM (TFR 115) – 4/10
Won well in Dubai earlier this year but has been inconsistent. Struggled last time at Kempton. Hard to rely on.


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Trends & Trainer Notes

William Haggas has won this race twice in the past 10 years and is profitable with runners off a layoff.

4-year-olds have a good recent record (won 4 of last 5 renewals).

Several course winners present, including Marhaba The Champ.

Most winners rated 95–104 – a band many of today’s field fall into.



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Each-Way Angles (12 runners)

ALMOSH’HER – unexposed profile, two wins from last three.

KING’S CODE – recent placed effort, versatile and consistent.

PLAGE DE HAVRE – back to preferred trip, drawn to race prominently.



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Tissue Estimate (Guide Only)

5/1 The Reverend

6/1 Stressfree

7/1 Almosh’her

7/1 Plage De Havre

8/1 Marhaba The Champ

10/1 Paradias

12/1 King’s Code

14/1 See Hector

16/1 Naqeeb

16/1 Dark Moon Rising

20/1 La Pulga

25/1 Max Mayhem



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Note: Runners returning from layoffs of 90+ days include The Reverend, Naqeeb, and See Hector. It’s important to keep an eye on market confidence for these.