Pace & Race Shape

The pace forecast is very weak, with Impero most likely to control it from the front. In a small field with no guaranteed pace pressure, those racing prominently may enjoy a tactical edge. Hold-up horses such as Simple Star and Hourless could be disadvantaged unless the race unexpectedly turns into a test of stamina.


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Key Runners: Ratings, Profile Notes & Verdicts

1. IMPERO (IRE)

TFR: 136 | OR: 129 | Trainer: Cian Collins | Jockey: Jordan Gainford
Mark: 8/10
4-time hurdle winner in 2024/25 (including Cheltenham & Musselburgh). Outclassed in a Punchestown festival handicap last time, but drops markedly in grade here. Has made all before and could boss this if allowed a soft lead. Proven at 2m and on good ground.

> Tactical angle and form against stronger fields make him a strong contender returning to Britain.




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2. REWIRED

TFR: 134 | OR: 115 | Trainer: Tristan Davidson | Jockey: Harry Reed
Mark: 8/10
Back-to-back wins at Newcastle and Hereford, quickening up nicely latest. Comes here in form, albeit off a career-high mark. Still fairly treated judged on flat ability, and has the turn of foot for this setup.

> If the pace isn’t overly slow, he could pick up again off the bridle and remains on the up.




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3. FINDTHETIME (IRE)

TFR: ? | OR: 103 | Trainer: Stuart Coltherd | Jockey: Sean Quinlan
Mark: 4/10
Hard to weigh up – smart chaser at one point for Nicky Richards but well beaten in every start for new yard. Pulled up or tailed off in 5 of last 6. Slight drop back in trip, but this looks a prep unless market says otherwise.

> Plenty to prove – market check essential, especially after a bleeding incident.




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4. SIMPLE STAR (IRE)

TFR: 135 | OR: 103 | Trainer: Dianne Sayer | Jockey: Henry Brooke
Mark: 7/10
Good-ground winner at Perth in April and not disgraced last time when pulling too hard early on. Tricky ride, but better suited by a stronger pace than forecast here. Trainer profitable with sole runners in hurdles.

> Could run into a place if more settled, but race setup may not help.




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5. HOURLESS

TFR: 129 | OR: 103 | Trainer: John Dixon | Jockey: Mr John Dixon (7)
Mark: 6/10
Races keenly and often held up – not ideal in this tactical race. Now 5 lb out of the handicap and was soundly beaten last time behind Moon Chime. However, previous close-up third over further reads well.

> Not dismissed out of hand, but tactics and weight disadvantage are negatives.




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Trainer Notes & Trends

Dianne Sayer: +£15.25 LSP with sole hurdle runners at a meeting – Simple Star fits this angle.

No repeat winners or dominant trainers, but quality has often held sway in recent years.



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Runner Marks Out of 10

Horse Rating Mark

Impero 136 8
Rewired 134 8
Simple Star 135 7
Hourless 129 6
Findthetime — 4



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Market Watch

Impero drops from a Punchestown festival race – any support would confirm confidence, while a drift could be fitness-related.

Findthetime is risky after multiple poor runs and bleeding – watch for unusual support.

Rewired arrives in peak form – stable rarely over-faces them.



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Tissue Price Estimate (100%)

Impero – 15/8

Rewired – 15/8

Simple Star – 4/1

Hourless – 13/2

Findthetime – 14/1



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Summary

A small but tactical affair. Impero is best placed to dominate from the front and returns to calmer waters after taking on hot company at Punchestown. Rewired is in great form and may still have something in hand. Simple Star has ability but needs a stronger gallop, while Hourless may be playing catch-up early. Findthetime is hard to support on current evidence.