Race Conditions and Setup

This is a low-grade novices’ handicap hurdle over a sharp 2m2½f at Newton Abbot. The going is officially good with some good to firm patches. With several forward-going types declared — including Inchagoill Lady, Pink Eyed Pancho, and Oval Street — the pace forecast is strong, suggesting a test that could suit more patiently-ridden types if they handle the surface.


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Contenders and Profiles

THANKYOUANDPLEASE (FR) – Timeform 114+
Caught the eye on handicap debut when a close third to John Betjeman here last month, finishing well and clear of the rest. Lightly raced, and the strong pace should help.
Rating: 8.5/10

GET THE VALUE (IRE) – Timeform 111
Took a step forward under aggressive tactics at Stratford when making all. A repeat of that performance brings him into it, but previous efforts were inconsistent.
Rating: 7.5/10

VENTARA – Timeform 112
Consistent if modest over hurdles, had a chasing spin when last seen and made a costly late mistake. Capable off this mark but may find this sharp trip on the short side.
Rating: 7/10

BYZANTIUM (FR) – Timeform 111
Looked likely to place when falling at the last on return from a break. Wasn’t entirely convincing prior to that, but Paul Nicholls rarely sends runners here without a chance.
Rating: 7/10

PINK EYED PANCHO – Timeform 109p
Big improvement when winning at Taunton last time from off the pace. Related to the useful Pink Eyed Pedro and looks the type to progress further.
Rating: 7.5/10

INCHAGOILL LADY (IRE) – Timeform 109
Returned to form when making all at Taunton, though not much in hand and usually finds little under pressure. Could get involved if able to dominate early.
Rating: 7/10

MR ZEE (IRE) – Timeform 109
Modest dual-purpose performer. Landed a weak contest at Taunton in March but has shaped better than result suggests since.
Rating: 6.5/10

SQUARE DU ROULE (FR) – Timeform 104
Lightly raced and improved on reappearance following a breathing operation. Could build on that.
Rating: 6.5/10

KINTARO – Timeform 103
One-time Flat maiden who has had multiple issues. Poor form overall and pulled up last time.
Rating: 5/10

OVAL STREET (IRE) – Timeform 104
Multiple point winner, but regressed over hurdles/fences and recent return was unpromising.
Rating: 4.5/10

STINGINHISSTEP – Timeform 100
No form of note and races too freely. Hard to make a case.
Rating: 3/10


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Trainer Trends

Joe Tizzard (Ventara) – 20% strike rate at Newton Abbot since 2021/22.

Paul Nicholls (Byzantium) – Although not prolific in this race, any Nicholls-trained runner in a Class 5 novice handicap deserves respect.

David Brace (Pink Eyed Pancho) – Noteworthy level-stakes profit when fielding a single hurdler on a card.



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Trends

5 of the last 6 winners were aged 5 or 6 – positive for Thankyouandplease, Pink Eyed Pancho, Kintaro, and Byzantium.

Past winners include big SPs (28/1, 40/1) – outsiders occasionally go well in these early-season low-grade handicaps.

Layoff runners (90+ days) – Byzantium, Square du Roule, and Oval Street all return from notable breaks; monitor market for support or signs of rust.



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Each-Way Angles

With 11 runners and a lively pace setup, this is a fair contest for each-way value seekers.

Square du Roule shaped nicely on return and could sneak into the frame.

Pink Eyed Pancho may still have some improvement to come at this level.



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Summary Ratings (out of 10)

Horse Rating

Thankyouandplease 8.5
Get The Value 7.5
Pink Eyed Pancho 7.5
Byzantium 7
Ventara 7
Inchagoill Lady 7
Mr Zee 6.5
Square du Roule 6.5
Kintaro 5
Oval Street 4.5
StinginHisStep 3



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Tissue Estimate

This is a compressed market due to several similar ratings and profiles. Here’s a reasoned estimate:

Thankyouandplease – 4/1

Get The Value – 9/2

Pink Eyed Pancho – 5/1

Ventara – 6/1

Inchagoill Lady – 13/2

Byzantium – 7/1

Mr Zee – 10/1

Square du Roule – 12/1

Kintaro – 20/1

Oval Street – 33/1

StinginHisStep – 50/1