Pace Forecast: Even
Field: 10 Runners


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Pace and Tactical Angles

The pace looks evenly run, which tends to favour prominent runners here over this trip. That plays into the hands of Champetre, who typically races close up, whereas hold-up horses like Stripe of Honour may find things going against them without a stronger pace to close into.


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Key Contenders and Suitability Ratings

FINE BY ME (IRE) – TFR 103x | Score: 8/10
Winner at Stratford in good style last season and returned with a solid second at Warwick. Stays the trip well, though jumping can be sketchy. Connections (Twiston-Davies) are strong at this level. Recent run a positive.

CHAMPETRE (IRE) – TFR 106 | Score: 7/10
Worcester regular with consistent form figures at this track. Below best of late but races prominently and stays the trip well. Headgear retained, and track familiarity a big plus.

FADED FANTASY (IRE) – TFR 106 | Score: 6/10
Recent run underwhelming, but has decent back form at this level. Jumping can be an issue, and trip is borderline. Better suited to testing ground.

ONEFORTHEFAIRGREEN (IRE) – TFR 108§ | Score: 6/10
Consistent but remains a maiden. Tends to race lazily and needs plenty of driving. Sean Bowen is a strong booking, and if he can cajole her into rhythm, she’ll stay the trip. Can hit the frame.

STAMINA CHOPE (FR) – TFR 109 | Score: 6/10
Not seen for over a year but was in fair form last summer and drops to a good mark. Proven over this trip and a thorough stayer. Fitness unknown.

STRIPE OF HONOUR (IRE) – TFR 105§ | Score: 5/10
In the form of his life lately but is 4lb out of the weights and lacks tactical speed. Will need the race to fall apart to land a blow late.

SHIBUYA SONG – TFR 106 | Score: 6/10
Reliable stayer and former CD winner but lacks the turn of foot and often races off the bridle early. Plugged on last time; likely place contender again.

SPORTY JIM (IRE) – TFR 97 | Score: 5/10
Decent run last time but inconsistent overall. Has ability but rarely puts two efforts together. More exposed than others.

MICRONORMOUS (IRE) – TFR ? | Score: 3/10
Hard to trust now. Fell last time, pulled up previously, and looks to have issues. Hard to recommend on current evidence.

MISTLETOE – TFR 104 | Score: 2/10
Little to recommend on form barring one possible fluke second. Best watched.



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Runners Suitability Scores (Out of 10):

Horse Score

Fine By Me 8
Champetre 7
Faded Fantasy 6
Oneforthefairgreen 6
Stamina Chope 6
Shibuya Song 6
Stripe of Honour 5
Sporty Jim 5
Micronormous 3
Mistletoe 2



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Private Tissue Estimate:

Fine By Me – 3/1

Champetre – 9/2

Oneforthefairgreen – 6/1

Shibuya Song – 7/1

Faded Fantasy – 8/1

Stamina Chope – 10/1

Others – 12/1+


Watch the market for returning runners like Stamina Chope off 374 days and inconsistent types like Micronormous.


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Summary:

A trappy staying handicap where most have something to prove. Fine By Me ran a big race on return and should improve again; he’s a solid choice on track, trip, and recent form. Champetre looks the most solid each-way option with course form and a good run style. Oneforthefairgreen remains a maiden but could be a frame contender under Bowen if staying the trip strongly.


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Smart Play (Top Two Bets):

Win – Fine By Me: Upwardly mobile, fit, and with a strong jockey booking. Likely to be in the mix again.

Each-Way – Champetre: Course specialist who’ll be well positioned and can run his race at a decent price.