Pace Angle: Projected pace is even, but prominent racers tend to fare best at Uttoxeter. That profile notably suits TURPIN GOLD, while PITTSBURG may find things tougher if held up.

Draw Angle (Not Applicable in NH): Not relevant for hurdles; however, being prominent and travelling smoothly often helps around Uttoxeter’s sharp turns.


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Contenders Overview:

CRYSTAL MER (110p) – Progressive and promising. Backed as if defeat was out of the question on stable debut and duly bolted up. Fresh from a 13-month break, he made light work of his mark, shaping like a horse well ahead of the assessor. Sean Bowen is 4/6 on hurdle favourites here and has a 23% course strike rate. Strongly progressive type with further improvement almost certain.

TURPIN GOLD (109) – Proven and rejuvenated. Returned from a long absence after leaving Robert Stephens and has since racked up two wins, the latest with authority at Huntingdon. Likely still ahead of the handicapper. Suited to prominent tactics and this track. Trainer Tom Lacey hits at 22% during the summer and excels with well-fancied handicap hurdlers.

PITTSBURG (105+) – Proven and thriving. Been in great nick over fences, including a recent win at Cartmel. Back over hurdles off a lower mark; could be very well handicapped. Travelled strongly last time and didn’t get a clear run when last seen over timber. If close to the pace early, could threaten.

BATTLE OF OMDURMAN (106+) – Promising 4yo with scope. Still raw, but holding form. Reverts from a solid third at Newton Abbot and shaped as though a stronger gallop would suit. Just turned four, giving him scope for improvement.

AMBASSADOR (108) – Proven but exposed. Has run well here before and won twice over C&D last year, but current form just moderate. Needs to bounce back. 7lb claimer keeps the weight down.

PIECEDERESISTANCE (104) – Temperamental and risky. Talented on the Flat but hasn’t translated that to hurdling. Often races freely and has found little off the bridle.

NORTHERN ROSE (104) – Poor but consistent. Lightly raced and placed on last two starts. Always finds a few too good and can’t afford to give ground away.

LAHIRE (107x) – Quick starter, unreliable jumper. Often leads but has made jumping errors and may fold under pressure. Will try to make all, likely a trade angle in-play.

HOLY LEGEND (101) & MONTICELLO (–) – Hard to fancy. Form very modest and long layoffs compound concerns. Keep an eye on market for any significant late money on Monticello (first run for new yard).


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Suitability Ratings (Out of 10):

Horse Track Distance Going Pace Overall

Crystal Mer 9 9 9 8 9
Turpin Gold 8 9 9 9 8.75
Pittsburg 8 9 9 7 8.25
Battle of Omdurman 7 8 8 7 7.5
Ambassador 8 8 7 6 7.25
Piecederesistance 7 7 8 6 7
Northern Rose 7 8 8 6 7
Lahire 6 7 8 8 7
Holy Legend 6 7 7 6 6.5
Monticello ? ? ? ? 5.5?



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Private Tissue Estimate:

Crystal Mer – 9/4

Turpin Gold – 4/1

Pittsburg – 6/1

Battle of Omdurman – 8/1

Ambassador – 10/1

Lahire – 14/1

Piecederesistance – 16/1

Northern Rose – 16/1

Holy Legend – 20/1

Monticello – 25/1



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Race Summary:

An intriguing 0-100 where recent winners dominate the shortlist. Crystal Mer is the standout – strongly progressive and may rate significantly higher in time. Turpin Gold looks well in under a penalty and shouldn’t be underestimated. Pittsburg is very interesting returning to hurdles from a much lower mark.

Watch for Lahire if allowed a soft lead; Battle of Omdurman could improve again as a 4yo. Market support for Monticello would be notable on stable debut.


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Smart Play (Top 2 Bets):

Win – CRYSTAL MER – Unexposed, classy profile, looks to have plenty more to come.
Each-Way – PITTSBURG – Thriving chaser, dangerously well treated back over hurdles.

Best watched: Lahire for in-play trade; Monticello for market support.