Pace Forecast: Weak – expected steady pace, potentially favouring those ridden prominently or tactically versatile.
Draw Bias: Not significant at this trip on current ground.


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1. Strongest Contenders

MIDNIGHT’S DREAM (TFR 93) – A C&D winner for Roger Varian, who is in good form. Scored nicely here in April before a solid 6th in a stronger Chelmsford race. Timeform notes that a steady pace would suit him. He remains off a workable mark and is respected back at this track.

ENCOURAGEABLE (TFR 96) – Shaped well on stable debut for Michael Appleby when third at Yarmouth. Has undergone a breathing op, and this yard has a record for improving new acquisitions. Drops into calmer waters and should be sharper.

SHALADAR (TFR 94) – A horse for the course and running off a winning mark. Below form on return but has solid previous turf efforts in better company. May come forward with that run behind him and is well drawn.



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2. Main Dangers

DUTCH DECOY (TFR 100) – The class horse in the race with a peak rating and big back form (notably runner-up in the 2024 Golden Mile). Mark has eased and he’s down significantly in grade. Jamie Spencer booked, which is noteworthy, but recent form uninspiring. A bounce back isn’t out of the question.

CHESHIRE DANCER (TFR 92) – Won on the AW last year and shaped like this trip would suit more than the 7.6f at Chester last time. Could strip fitter and the stable has been going okay.

DUKE’S COMMAND (TFR 86?) – Lightly raced and now with David O’Meara after being gelded and moved from Godolphin. Related to high-class middle-distance types and shaped well on his last two starts in 2023. Missed all of 2024. Big layoff a concern, but market support should be noted.



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3. Interesting Outsiders

GLOBAL SKIES (TFR 90) – Often slowly away and not the most consistent, but has shaped okay on occasion and is back on turf. Trainer B. F. Brookhouse has a solid profit record when sending just one runner.

JODHPUR BLUE (TFR 91) – Maiden winner on the AW for previous yard. Flopped on return for new connections (Ian Williams) but may improve with fitness. Related to stayers; current trip probably sharp enough.

MOST WANTED (TFR ?) – Previously useful in Ireland, then lost his way over hurdles. Well beaten last time at Windsor and hard to recommend with confidence.



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4. Trends & Timeform Profile Comments

Horses aged 4–6 have dominated recent renewals.

Previous C&D form has been a good pointer (MIDNIGHT’S DREAM and SHALADAR).

Roger Varian and Charlie Johnston both have fair records with runners at this grade.

Market support can be meaningful for layoff horses – notably DUKE’S COMMAND (534 days) and GLOBAL SKIES (269 days).



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5. Runner Ratings (out of 10)

Horse Rating

ENCOURAGEABLE 8/10
MIDNIGHT’S DREAM 8/10
SHALADAR 7/10
DUTCH DECOY 7/10
CHESHIRE DANCER 6.5/10
DUKE’S COMMAND 6.5/10 (watch market – long layoff)
GLOBAL SKIES 5.5/10 (trainer stat notable)
JODHPUR BLUE 5/10
MOST WANTED 4/10



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6. Each-Way Angle

With 9 runners declared, ENCOURAGEABLE, SHALADAR, and CHESHIRE DANCER offer each-way potential. Preference goes to ENCOURAGEABLE as the most progressive profile, while SHALADAR appeals for consistency and course suitability.


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7. Tissue Estimate (100%)

Encourageable – 3/1

Midnight’s Dream – 7/2

Shaladar – 4/1

Dutch Decoy – 11/2

Cheshire Dancer – 13/2

Duke’s Command – 10/1

Global Skies – 14/1

Jodhpur Blue – 20/1

Most Wanted – 33/1



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Note: Watch the market for any strength behind DUKE’S COMMAND and GLOBAL SKIES (both off significant layoffs). In-form sprinters stepping up to this trip can be hot if allowed an easy lead, though no confirmed trailblazers here.