Pace: Strong | Draw Bias: N/A | Surface: Turf | Runners: 8 (EW terms apply)

Pace & Draw Angles:

This 5f sprint is set to be run at a strong gallop with several pace-forcers (Storm Call, Ziggy’s Ariel, Law of Average). Beverley’s stiff uphill finish often favours those who can sit handy without going too hard too soon. There’s no clear draw bias declared, but low-to-middle gates tend to offer tactical flexibility in strongly run races here.

Prominent racers tend to go well at Beverley over 5f, so LAW OF AVERAGE, despite being vulnerable to a collapse late on, may not be dismissed lightly. Le BEAU GARCON and VENTURA EXPRESS both have effective stalker styles for this course setup.


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Top Contenders:

VENTURA EXPRESS (96 Timeform) – Previous course winner; mid-paced hold-up style fits strong pace scenario. Poorly positioned at Doncaster last time but retains ability. Well-handicapped and from a stable with a strong record in this race (won it in 2022 and 2024). Suited to going, distance and track. Solid reversion candidate.
Rating: 8/10

GOOD EARTH (91 Timeform) – Well-treated and twice a winner this season. Didn’t get clear run at Sandown and remains in form. Likes fast ground, has CD form, and likely to be staying on.
Rating: 7.5/10

LE BEAU GARCON (94 Timeform) – Lightly raced 6-y-o who returned from a break with narrow Ayr win. Seems progressive again following wind surgery. Usually races prominently and tactically versatile.
Rating: 8/10

ZIGGY’S ARIEL (92 Timeform) – Three-year-old with a progressive profile and good front-running tactics. Just touched off last time. May need to avoid pace collapse but brings potential.
Rating: 7.5/10

EMERALDS PRIDE (93 Timeform) – Two-time CD winner in 2024 and only modestly behind at Ayr last time. Slightly inconsistent but capable. Trainer profits with sole runners at meetings.
Rating: 7/10



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Main Dangers & Outsiders:

LAW OF AVERAGE (93?) – Fairly useful on his day but hasn’t shown it in three 2025 starts. Often leads and goes hard; could set race up for closers.
Rating: 5/10

BOND CHAIRMAN (?) – Returning from layoffs and hasn’t shown recent spark. Not discounted if regaining old form but looks regressive.
Rating: 4/10

STORM CALL (89?) – Another front-runner who looks out of sorts and unproven at this level.
Rating: 3.5/10



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Race Summary & Trends:

Paul Midgley has won 3 of the last 10 renewals of this race and returns with VENTURA EXPRESS, who was the 2022 and 2024 winner. Michael Dods’ EMERALDS PRIDE has two course wins to her name and is one of just two runners in the field with a Beverley win this year. Watch for market support on Le Beau Garcon (second run after layoff) and Law of Average (trainer likes quick reappearance after gelding).

Mark Watch: Law of Average and Bond Chairman return after breaks. Market movements key.

Proven: Good Earth, Ventura Express, Emeralds Pride
Progressive: Le Beau Garcon, Ziggy’s Ariel
Promising: Ziggy’s Ariel (3yo against older horses)


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Private Tissue Estimate:

Le Beau Garcon – 7/2

Ventura Express – 4/1

Good Earth – 5/1

Ziggy’s Ariel – 11/2

Emeralds Pride – 7/1

Law of Average – 12/1

Bond Chairman – 14/1

Storm Call – 20/1



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Smart Play:

Win: VENTURA EXPRESS – Track, pace, and history all align. Best handicapped in the field and should get the race run to suit.

Each-Way Saver: LE BEAU GARCON – Second run off break, recent winner, stays strong and is progressive again.


Both bets are tactically suited and come from in-form connections with track records.