£18,039 | 0–88 | 4yo+ | Good (Good to Soft in places) | 12 runners declared


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1. Race Conditions, Pace, and Draw

Pace Forecast: Strong

Draw Bias: Historically against high stalls at this trip; those drawn low-to-mid have an edge.

Tactical Setup: With several habitual pace-forcers (e.g. La Pulga, Minstrel Knight, King’s Scholar), this should be run at a strong tempo. That increases the risks for prominent types like Sam Hawkens and may favour late closers such as Tafsir and Per Contra, provided they get a clear run.



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2. Contenders, Dangers & Timeform Insights

Sam Hawkens (103 adj)
Progressive profile. Bolted up at Newcastle last time and is 2–4 for William Haggas. Form working out and travels strongly, but the strong pace might be less ideal given he likes to race near the speed.
Profile: Progressive. Tactically at some risk. Haggas 24% mid-season.

King’s Scholar (102 adj)
Won C&D contest last time under a strong ride. Thriving with two wins in May. Proven at track and digs deep under pressure. Better with company around him and will likely be ridden to get handy position again.
Profile: Proven and in top form. Progressive angle continues.

Savrola (100 adj)
Outrun odds last two starts including close second to King’s Scholar. Slight pace bias in his favour here as he sits just behind the front wave. Tough, consistent, and placed at course.
Profile: Proven. Race-fit. Well drawn.

Per Contra (100 adj)
Ran well at Chester last time after switch to Easterby yard. Better draw now and likely to be held up, which looks ideal in this scenario. Has gone well second-up before.
Profile: Promising since yard change. Watch market.

Steel Tiger (99 adj)
Beat Sir Geoff Hurst in novice company then won narrowly on the AW. Down the field at Haydock latest in deeper heat. Stays well, but profile suggests he may need easier opposition or slower ground.
Profile: Unproven at this level.

Destinado (101 adj)
Won Doncaster apprentice race in March and placed at Goodwood last week. Stays well, acts on all surfaces. Usually slowly away but shaped well off strong pace. James Owen 22% over 10f+.
Profile: Proven. Tactically suited. Solid yard angle.

Minstrel Knight (97 adj)
Back after 218 days. Three wins last season including at York. Likely to go forward but has to defy layoff in a race with pace pressure.
Profile: Proven but lacks race fitness. Market watch essential.

La Pulga (100 adj)
Last year’s winner but bombed at York latest. Can bounce back, but has no tactical edge in this race due to the pace pressure.
Profile: Proven at course, but regressive signs. Watch for late money.

Letsbefrank (101 adj)
Out of form in 2025 and temperament under suspicion now. Did win over further but hasn’t looked happy this year.
Profile: Questionable attitude. Needs revival.

Tafsir (99 adj)
Multiple Hamilton wins in 2024, including at this distance. Below form this season but set to get a race-run-to-suit for the first time. Can’t rule out on course profile.
Profile: Proven over C&D. Could bounce back. Each-way type.

Alnayef (100 adj)
Well-bred but inconsistent. Shaped well on seasonal return but weak finish latest. Wears first-time cheekpieces. Not one to trust, but pedigree says he has the engine.
Profile: Promising type but patchy. Market will guide.

Forza Orta (no adj)
Sliding mark but not firing. Cheekpieces/tongue tie now tried together. Needs revival and hasn’t shown same zest in 2025.
Profile: Regressive but once rated higher. Outsider chance only.


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3. Ratings out of 10 (Form, Tactical Fit, Suitability)

Horse Rating

Sam Hawkens 7.5
King’s Scholar 8.5
Savrola 7.5
Per Contra 7.5
Destinado 7
Steel Tiger 6.5
Minstrel Knight 6.5 (fitness risk)
Tafsir 7
La Pulga 6
Letsbefrank 5.5
Alnayef 6.5
Forza Orta 4.5



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4. Proven / Progressive / Promising

Proven: King’s Scholar, Destinado, Minstrel Knight, Tafsir

Progressive: Sam Hawkens, Per Contra

Promising: Alnayef (on pedigree), Savrola (if still improving)



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5. Private Tissue

King’s Scholar – 7/2

Sam Hawkens – 4/1

Savrola – 13/2

Per Contra – 13/2

Destinado – 8/1

Tafsir – 10/1

Minstrel Knight – 10/1

Steel Tiger – 12/1

Alnayef – 14/1

La Pulga – 16/1

Letsbefrank – 20/1

Forza Orta – 25/1



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6. Summary

With a strong pace forecast and draw bias against high stalls, hold-up or mid-pack runners from middle-to-low draws have the edge. King’s Scholar is thriving and comes in off two wins – the most solid profile on show. Sam Hawkens remains on the upgrade but might not get his own way in this setup. Per Contra and Savrola both shaped very well in recent contests and look solid dangers. Destinado is consistent, and Tafsir might pick up the pieces if the front bunch go too hard.

Most Likely Winner: King’s Scholar
Main Dangers: Savrola, Per Contra
Value Each-Way (12 runners): Tafsir, Destinado (market check advised)