Pace Angle: Forecast is very weak; likely to suit those close up.

Strong Contenders

BACKINACTION: Lightly raced chaser who returned from 9 months off with a career-best second over this C&D. Has form on good ground, stamina proven, and may improve again.

JONY MAX: Former winner of this race (2022), races prominently, and benefits from a slowly-run affair. Fitness after 194 days off is the only concern.

ANYTRIXWILLDO: Placed last time despite dropping whip; stays well and responds to cheekpieces. Consistent if not flashy.



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Main Dangers

UNSPEAKABLE: Stablemate of JONY MAX, pulled too hard last time. May struggle off a slow pace being a hold-up type but could be a late threat.

JIMMYJEROO: Often leads, but now over further than ideal. Best form at 2½m. Class could carry him far if stamina holds.



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Interesting Outsiders

TESTFLIGHT: Runner-up latest, jumping held together better than usual. Still unexposed, has point form, but unreliable.

MY GIRL KATIE: Gambled on recently after point wins but failed to fire under Rules. Remains a risky proposition back chasing.



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Temperament and Suitability Overview

Going: All main runners handle good to firm.

Field Size: Smallish field suits front runners like JONY MAX and ANYTRIXWILLDO.

Pace: Very weak – front runners benefit.

Class: Suitable for most; BACKINACTION potentially ahead of current mark.

Track: Newton Abbot form shown by several, notably BACKINACTION and TESTFLIGHT.

Distance: All proven at or around 3m1f.

Temperament: UNSPEAKABLE and TESTFLIGHT can be moody; most others genuine.

Trainer: Christian Williams (JONY MAX, UNSPEAKABLE) has won this 3x since 2017.

Jockey: Adam Wedge rides the likely favourite; strong record on chase market leaders.



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Ratings out of 10 (suitability-based):

BACKINACTION – 9 – Unexposed, in-form, stays, right conditions

JONY MAX – 8 – Proven, past winner, needs fitness on side

ANYTRIXWILLDO – 7 – Honest type, suited by pace

UNSPEAKABLE – 6 – Hold-up style against the race set-up

JIMMYJEROO – 6 – Trip a concern, but consistent

TESTFLIGHT – 6 – Jumps an issue, but form improving

MY GIRL KATIE – 4 – Patchy form, needs a leap of faith

JANESLITTLEVOICE – 3 – Out of sorts

MEGASCOPE – 1 – No current form



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Private Tissue Estimate:

BACKINACTION 3/1

JONY MAX 9/2

ANYTRIXWILLDO 5/1

UNSPEAKABLE 6/1

JIMMYJEROO 13/2

TESTFLIGHT 8/1

MY GIRL KATIE 12/1

JANESLITTLEVOICE 20/1

MEGASCOPE 100/1


Market Watch Advice:

JONY MAX and UNSPEAKABLE both return from 194+ days off. Market confidence critical.

Watch for late moves on MY GIRL KATIE if there’s another plunge from connections.

TESTFLIGHT is on his second chase start this season – market may reveal more.



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Summary

The race is expected to be run at a dawdle, favouring prominent racers. BACKINACTION ticks the most boxes on track, trip, going, and profile. JONY MAX is a past winner who will enjoy the pace setup if fit, and the Christian Williams yard’s record in this is noteworthy.


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Smart Play

Win Bet: BACKINACTION – lightly raced, returned with a career best, suited by all race conditions.
Saver: JONY MAX – past winner of the race and may dominate in a tactical affair if ready.