Runners: 6 declared
Pace Forecast: Very Weak
Pace/Drawing Implication: A steady pace is expected, favouring those who race prominently. Getoverthathill is better positioned in this regard than known hold-up type Trevor’s Lad.


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Strongest Contenders

Broomfield Gale (TFR 99§)
Recently returned to form with a win at Stratford followed by a solid second under a penalty at Worcester. He has refused to race before and isn’t wholly trustworthy, but the ability is clearly there. Still relatively unexposed over this kind of trip and holds the highest adjusted figure on recent form. Tongue-tied again.
Note: Trainer Daisy Hitchins has no previous winners in this race.
Risk: Has refused to race and needs a clean start.

Trevor’s Lad (TFR 98)
Staying on well to be narrowly denied here over further last time in cheekpieces (retained). Has bled and generally races off the pace, which is a concern given the pace forecast. On a workable mark and is consistent for this grade.
Hold-up risk: Yes – usually held up and pace forecast doesn’t suit.

Coup de Gold (TFR 96+)
Came back from a break with a fair third at Ffos Las, though his amateur rider may have left something behind in the finish. Would benefit from stronger handling. Often races keenly, wears cheekpieces. A possible improver with sharper tactics.
Note: Stable in good nick, but no past win in this contest.
Positive: Well-handicapped type who often trades short in-running.


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Dangers & Interesting Outsiders

Getoverthathill (TFR 97)
Won a weak novice handicap here in November and returns to a similar track and trip. Needs to bounce back from two poor efforts since, but pace set-up should suit. Goes well for this 3lb claimer and is better judged on previous Fontwell success.
Interesting: Prominent racer with track form, well-handicapped if forgiven last two.

Blue in the West (TFR 95)
Has bits of form, notably when second at Stratford two runs ago, but was well beaten at Ffos Las latest. Difficult to assess on British form but does at least have pointing background for stamina. Trainer Ben Lund is unexposed but no past record in this event.
Unproven: Still a maiden and needs to step up.

Captain Howse (TFR ?)
Modest on the Flat and over hurdles. Has pulled up more than once, and his best form is a long way behind what’s required here. Out of the weights and vulnerable.
Layoff note: Returned from a long absence last month. Needs market support to be of interest.


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Runner Ratings out of 10

Broomfield Gale – 7.5/10 (talented but unreliable; market vibes vital)

Trevor’s Lad – 7/10 (in-form but pace setup against him)

Coup de Gold – 7/10 (value prospect if ridden more positively)

Getoverthathill – 6.5/10 (track form, better than bare figures)

Blue in the West – 5.5/10 (unconvincing but has potential with conditions to suit)

Captain Howse – 3/10 (hard to recommend on any evidence)



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Market Notes

Watch the market for: Captain Howse (long layoff, return signs last time), Blue in the West (2nd run after a change of trainer), and Coup de Gold (frequent in-running shortener).

Fitness red flags: None beyond Captain Howse (only recently back after 400+ days off).

No each-way angles due to field size (6 runners).



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Private Tissue Estimate (100% Book)

Broomfield Gale – 5/2

Trevor’s Lad – 3/1

Coup de Gold – 7/2

Getoverthathill – 4/1

Blue in the West – 13/2

Captain Howse – 25/1



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Summary

This is a modest contest but a trappy one, with several having a bit to prove. Broomfield Gale has the best recent form but is temperamentally risky. Trevor’s Lad is solid but may be compromised by the lack of pace, while Coup de Gold looks interesting if the rider can keep him on the bridle for longer. Getoverthathill has a chance on track form with the run style to suit. Monitor the market closely for signs of intent, especially on the less reliable types.