Field: 17 runners
Pace Forecast: Strong | Draw Bias: Against High


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Race Setup: Pace and Draw Angles

This is a big-field sprint where a strong pace is likely, with several habitual front-runners including So Grateful, Back Tomorrow and Cuban Storm. That could set it up for closers or those with tactical speed.

The draw bias is currently against high numbers, favouring middle-to-low stalls, which could hinder the likes of Back Tomorrow (stall 16) and Baby Rover (stall 17) if they can’t get across early.


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Key Contenders and Analysis

BRAVE BOB (IRE) – TFR 67 | Score: 7/10
Lightly raced and open to progress after a strong fourth last time at Redcar behind Baby Rover. Meets that rival on 4lb better terms now and is drawn in stall 13, which is manageable with a clean break. Could be progressive and well treated.

CROCODILE POWER (IRE) – TFR 73 | Score: 8/10
In good form, second at Catterick last time in a stronger field and suited to pace-heavy contests. Prominent run style a plus. Not well drawn (stall 17) but has early speed to offset that. Proven and tactically ideal.

SUPERIOR COUNCIL (IRE) – TFR 71 | Score: 7/10
Consistent and has run well twice recently, including a win and close second. Tongue tie and blinkers combination continues to work. Drawn well in stall 3 and may sit just off the leaders. Proven in this grade.

UNICO – TFR 67+ | Score: 6/10
Good second at Goodwood last time, travelled well and possibly unlucky not to go closer. Strong pace should suit his running style. Best form on good ground but handles give too. Cheekpieces back on.

BABY ROVER (IRE) – TFR 69 | Score: 6/10
Won well last time at Redcar but was well placed throughout. Stall 17 is a big negative here with likely pressure on the front. Watch for market moves given recent improvement.



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Others to Note

CUBAN STORM – TFR 66+ | Score: 6/10
Rebounded in blinkers last time and form of Redcar run looks solid. Holds a middle draw and is a prominent type – chance if maintaining momentum.

BACK TOMORROW – TFR 70 | Score: 5/10
Inconsistent and vulnerable to pace collapse. Stall 16 and slow starts are negatives here.

DUE RESPECT – TFR 72 | Score: 6/10
Unexposed 3yo with recent placed form. Improving and well drawn in stall 10. Each-way claims.



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Runner Ratings (out of 10):

Horse Score

Brave Bob 7
Crocodile Power 8
Superior Council 7
Unico 6
Cuban Storm 6
Baby Rover 6
Due Respect 6
Back Tomorrow 5
So Grateful 5
Jump The Gun 5
South Road 4
Dorothy May 4
Gesundheit 4
Mighty Power 3
Heritor 2
Summerstorms Dream 1



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Private Tissue Estimate:

Crocodile Power – 9/2

Brave Bob – 5/1

Superior Council – 11/2

Unico – 7/1

Cuban Storm – 8/1

Baby Rover – 9/1

Due Respect – 10/1

Others – 14/1+



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Summary:

This is a wide-open 6f handicap where early pace pressure could break up the front-runners and allow a mid-pack finisher to come through. Crocodile Power is well handicapped and arrives on the back of a strong second; he can overcome his high draw with a clean break. Brave Bob, unexposed and better off with Baby Rover, is a big danger and well drawn. Superior Council continues in form and must be respected.


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Smart Play (Top Two Bets):

Win – Crocodile Power: Handles these conditions well, form is solid, and his racing style suits this race setup.

Each-Way – Brave Bob: Looks well treated off a low mark, improving, and is nicely drawn for a strong-run 6f.


Keep an eye on market moves for Unico and Due Respect as potential improvers in a compressed handicap.