Pace & Draw Angles
- Pace Forecast: Weak. With no clear front-runner, a tactical and steadily run affair is expected.
- Specific Pace Hint: Prominent racers generally fare best here, meaning the tempo could favour Accentuate (runs forward) but possibly disadvantage Indian Springs, who may be held up.
- Draw Bias: Historically, low draws have fared better on this straight 7f track in small-to-mid-sized fields. Baloo’s Blues (stall 1), Indian Springs (2), and Time Allowed (3) are well placed.
Strongest Contender
INDIAN SPRINGS (TFR 99p, Adj 99+) – 8.5/10
Charlie Appleby’s colt won comfortably on his seasonal debut at Newmarket, pulling clear in good style and earning a Timeform ‘p’. That effort was a clear step forward from his Kempton third as a juvenile. Despite giving weight, he’s likely to progress again. However, the market should be monitored—he traded at double his BSP in-running before winning last time, indicating vulnerability mid-race.
Main Dangers
TIME ALLOWED (TFR 96p, Adj 96+) – 8/10
Caught the eye when staying on late into fourth behind Indian Springs on debut, and shaped like one with significant improvement to come. A low draw in 3 and natural progression could bring him closer to the re-opposing favourite, especially if the race is steadily run. Very much one to keep on side.
ACCENTUATE (TFR 97p, Adj 97+) – 7.5/10
Well-regarded colt from Roger Varian’s yard, making first start in 307 days. Shaped with real promise at Ascot behind Tiger Mask, travelling well and only fading late. Prominent racing style will help in this small field, and a market move would be notable on return. Hood fitted.
Interesting Outsiders
RAAFEDD (TFR 85p, Adj 83+) – 6.5/10
Ran well in a strong Newmarket maiden last month when sixth to Indian Springs. Still learning but from a yard in form (William Haggas 23% strike rate at Newbury). Each-way claims if stepping forward again. Trainer’s horses often improve for their second and third starts.
TOKYO JOE (Adj est. 71+) – 5.5/10
Bit green on debut at Kempton in December but shaped like a galloper and bred to appreciate a test at 7f+. Has a wide draw, but trainer Ed Walker has a decent record with improving 3yo colts. May outrun big odds if settled early.
Others Briefly Assessed
- Seventy (Adj 76p) – 5/10: Signs of ability at Newmarket, but looked one-paced. Could step up, but others are preferred on profile.
- Prodigal Son (Adj 70) – 4/10: Form is modest, and looked held in two runs to date. Needs more.
- Baloo’s Blues (Adj 63) – 3/10: Breathing op noted but struggled in both runs. Draw helps, but big leap needed.
- Give Me The Night – 2.5/10: Costly purchase but debut run is needed to assess where he stands.
- Bullington Bry – 2.5/10: No race evidence yet. Trainer has a good record with debutants, but the damline suggests stamina over speed.
- Mielikki – 2/10: Well held on sole start. Trainer in form, but she’s the only filly here and has plenty to find.
Runners Ratings (out of 10)
| Horse | Trainer | Adj Rating | Mark |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indian Springs | Charlie Appleby | 99+ | 8.5 |
| Time Allowed | Andrew Balding | 96+ | 8 |
| Accentuate | Roger Varian | 97+ | 7.5 |
| Raafedd | William Haggas | 85+ | 6.5 |
| Tokyo Joe | Ed Walker | 71+ | 5.5 |
| Seventy | Richard Hannon | 76p | 5 |
| Prodigal Son | Heather Main | 70 | 4 |
| Baloo’s Blues | Charles Hills | 63 | 3 |
| Give Me the Night | Mark Rimell | — | 2.5 |
| Bullington Bry | Jane Chapple-Hyam | — | 2.5 |
| Mielikki | Richard Hannon | — | 2 |
Tissue Estimate
| Horse | Tissue Price |
|---|---|
| Indian Springs | 15/8 |
| Time Allowed | 3/1 |
| Accentuate | 7/2 |
| Raafedd | 10/1 |
| Seventy | 16/1 |
| Tokyo Joe | 20/1 |
| Prodigal Son | 25/1 |
| Baloo’s Blues | 33/1 |
| Mielikki | 40/1 |
| Bullington Bry | 50/1 |
| Give Me the Night | 66/1 |
Final Notes
This looks a solid novice with the clear standout in Indian Springs, who has race fitness and form. However, the race setup may not fully suit his style, which offers an opportunity for improving types like Time Allowed and Accentuate to mount a challenge.
Keep a close watch on market support for Accentuate, who returns from a long absence and Raafedd, who represents a yard known for 2nd/3rd time improvers. There’s some depth for place betting, and each-way terms apply.
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