Pace/Drawing Angles: With a very weak pace forecast, those racing prominently should be favoured. Shadows In The Sky appears best positioned tactically, while Harrys Hope – a habitual hold-up type – may find himself needing luck in running if it turns tactical.


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Strongest Contenders

Shadows In The Sky (TFR 115x, OR 104) – Rejuvenated since joining James Owen, scoring easily at Uttoxeter before running second to a well-treated rival just 3 days later at Huntingdon. Travels close up and should benefit from the lack of pace. Slight jumping concerns remain, but he’s clearly in form and the jockey gets a 5lb claim.

Harrys Hope (TFR 117, OR 105) – Progressive last season with a chase hat-trick from 2m4f to 2m6f. Ran well back over hurdles on reappearance and is likely fitter now. However, doesn’t always find much under pressure and may not be suited by the predicted muddling pace. Ben Pauling is 31% in summer chases.

Redbridge Rambler (TFR 111, OR 105) – Mixed efforts this season but did win readily at Chepstow in March. Needs to bounce back from a tame effort last time out but goes back up in trip and has the in-form Sean Bowen booked. Stable has a strong record with its sole chaser on the card.


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Main Dangers & Interesting Outsiders

Mrs Tabitha (TFR 113§, OR 87) – Dual placed in novice handicap chases and bred to stay. Not entirely straightforward, but now eased 1lb and shaped fairly last time. Trainer/jockey combo has a positive level-stake return with single runners in chases. May be capable of more with experience over fences.

Wee Willie Nail (OR 94) – Well treated on early Irish form but has shown nothing for this yard and returns from 673 days off. Would need to see support to be of interest.

Deadly Missile (OR 79) – Has placed form in lower-grade chases but tailed off on return after a 16-month absence. Pulled up again last time and hard to fancy on balance, though this is a drop in class.

Noble Cave (OR 82) – Lightly raced but bled on chase debut and pulled up. Difficult to assess but potentially well-handicapped if back to full health. Watch the market.


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Runner Ratings (out of 10)

Shadows In The Sky – 8

Harrys Hope – 7

Redbridge Rambler – 7

Mrs Tabitha – 6

Wee Willie Nail – 3 (watch market off 673 days)

Deadly Missile – 4 (low mark, but poor return)

Noble Cave – 4 (market check advised after bleeding issue)



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Private Tissue Estimate

Shadows In The Sky – 2/1

Harrys Hope – 3/1

Redbridge Rambler – 9/2

Mrs Tabitha – 7/1

Deadly Missile – 16/1

Noble Cave – 20/1

Wee Willie Nail – 33/1



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Summary

This looks a match between Shadows In The Sky and Harrys Hope, with the former better suited by the forecast pace and the latter needing everything to fall right from the rear. Redbridge Rambler shouldn’t be dismissed back over a suitable trip with Bowen aboard. Mrs Tabitha is progressing steadily over fences and rates the best of the remainder. Market watch advised on Noble Cave and Wee Willie Nail, both returning from absences and with questions to answer.