Pace Angle: A weak pace is forecast, which enhances the claims of more forward-going or handy runners like MC’TED and PALAZZO PERSICO. Horses such as LITTLE TIGER and HONRADO, who are often held up, may need a change in tactics or a race that unexpectedly opens up late.
Draw Bias: No significant impact expected at this trip on soft ground.


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Strongest Contenders:

PALAZZO PERSICO – Easily best recent form. Dominated a modest Brighton race last time, galloping out strongly over nearly 10f. The return to soft ground and a small field won’t hurt, though soft may blunt his finishing edge slightly. Looks a pace-pressing, strong-staying type with Billy Loughnane keeping the ride.
CATHEDRAL PEAK – Lightly raced for new connections and showed much more at Bath, despite not quickening. Jim Crowley booked and now has ideal trip and ground. Could improve further and races handily enough to be well placed.
LITTLE TIGER – Consistent, twice placed at Leicester, doing well off a pace that didn’t suit. Return to slightly longer trip might suit, but soft ground is an unknown and he’s a hold-up type. Risk of needing luck in running.


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Main Dangers & Interesting Outsiders:

MC’TED – Won four times in 2024 and has strong Yarmouth form. Now on a fair mark and ran acceptably at Pontefract after a break. Could go well if primed second up, though the trainer is cold and this gelding is best caught fresh.
SUNSET IN PARIS – Landed a modest Wolverhampton event but has bits of turf form too. A consistent type with low weight, though may be better on AW.
NAUGHTY NIALL – Returned to form when third at Leicester and steps up slightly in trip. Often slowly away but could run on late if they go quick enough.
HONRADO – Flashes ability but struggles to put races to bed. Hollie Doyle booked and likely to attract support, though he’s not entirely trustworthy.


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Suitability Ratings (Track/Trip/Going/Class/Trainer):

Horse Rating/10 Comment

PALAZZO PERSICO 8.5 In form, strong staying type, positive pace profile
CATHEDRAL PEAK 7.5 Soft ground winner, on upward curve, new trainer angle
LITTLE TIGER 7 Consistent but held-up in a race lacking pace
MC’TED 6.5 C&D winner, has form on ground, check market for fitness
NAUGHTY NIALL 6.5 Ran well last time, may build again but lacks consistency
SUNSET IN PARIS 6 AW performer, turf claims less convincing
DANEHILL STAR 5.5 Mostly AW form, turf form modest, might face pressure
HONRADO 5 Temperamental type, needs things to go right



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Trends and Notables:

CATHEDRAL PEAK and PALAZZO PERSICO both profile as lightly raced, improving 4yos—historically a strong angle in 0–60 handicaps.

MC’TED has form on soft and is a multiple winner at this level.

Hollie Doyle’s 23% Yarmouth strike rate suggests HONRADO shouldn’t be dismissed if strong in market.

Ed Dunlop’s horses have been going well with Billy Loughnane aboard.



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Private Tissue:

PALAZZO PERSICO – 3/1

CATHEDRAL PEAK – 7/2

LITTLE TIGER – 5/1

MC’TED – 7/1

NAUGHTY NIALL – 8/1

SUNSET IN PARIS – 10/1

HONRADO – 12/1

DANEHILL STAR – 14/1



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Summary:

The pace scenario and current form make PALAZZO PERSICO a key player, especially if able to control or sit close to the gallop. CATHEDRAL PEAK looks poised to build on his latest effort and is nicely treated on soft ground. LITTLE TIGER brings strong form but may not get the tempo he needs.

Smart Play:

Win – PALAZZO PERSICO: Strong last-time-out winner, well placed to dominate or stalk a weak pace.
Each-Way – CATHEDRAL PEAK: Lightly raced, progressive, and suited to conditions with a top rider booked.