Pace Forecast: Even


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Pace & Draw Setup (Hurdles: No draw impact)

The pace projection is even, with Handlethekettle the likely pace-setter, which should favour those who sit close up or control the race. My Chiquita, typically held up, may be at a tactical disadvantage unless there’s more pace than forecast.


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Contenders Overview

HANDLETHEKETTLE (IRE) – TFR 140 | Score: 9/10
Proven and progressive. Three wins from last four starts over hurdles, most recently dominating over this C&D. He’ll likely try to make all again under Gavin Sheehan. Yet to reach his ceiling and is in top hands (Jamie Snowden, in strong recent form). Ground, track and trip all suit.

UKANTANGO (IRE) – TFR 142 | Score: 7/10
Proven and well-handicapped based on past form, but profile is patchy. Improved when chasing home Handlethekettle latest and now 3lb better off, but was comfortably held. Capable of going close if that form is upheld and should sit handily.

MIGHT I (IRE) – TFR ? | Score: 6/10
Classy but risky. Formerly smart and goes well fresh, but now with a lesser-known yard and back off 117 days. Wasn’t competitive in Coral Cup and would need market support to be taken seriously on stable debut.

GET THE VALUE (IRE) – TFR 139 | Score: 7/10
Progressive, and very nearly landed a hat-trick at Newton Abbot last time. Still lightly raced and tactically flexible. Steps up in grade here, so this will test his mettle, but he’s earned the chance.

MY CHIQUITA – TFR 137 | Score: 6/10
Promising Worcester winner on last hurdles start and fit from the Flat. Needs a stronger pace to show best and that may not be forthcoming here. Danger if things fall right.

GALATA BRIDGE – TFR 140x | Score: 5/10
Consistent but fragile and error-prone. Back after a 266-day layoff and pulled up lame last time. Has ability but a watching brief looks safer unless attracting support.

COLLINGHAM (GER) – TFR 138 | Score: 5/10
Unreliable and stamina doubts beyond 2m. Out of sorts recently and makes limited appeal on current chase form.

THE HEIGHT OF FAME – TFR 141 | Score: 4/10
Course form but regressive. Two poor final runs last season and may be best watched here despite stable stats when only runner on the card.



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Runners Suitability Ratings (Out of 10)

Horse Score

Handlethekettle 9
Ukantango 7
Get The Value 7
Might I 6
My Chiquita 6
Galata Bridge 5
Collingham 5
The Height Of Fame 4



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Private Tissue Estimate

Handlethekettle – 11/4

Ukantango – 9/2

Get The Value – 11/2

Might I – 6/1

My Chiquita – 13/2

Others – 10/1+


Market watch advised for Might I (stable debut after 117 days) and Galata Bridge (return from layoff).


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Summary

Handlethekettle is thriving and remains ahead of the handicapper. He won decisively here last time and should boss this from the front again. Ukantango is capable and a danger if building on his last run. Get The Value is progressive and on an upward curve, but this is deeper.


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Smart Play (Top Two Bets):

Win – Handlethekettle: Reliable, race-fit, and tactically favoured. Proven at C&D.

Each-Way – Get The Value: Still improving and appeals for a place at value odds in a tight contest.