Pace Angle: A very weak early pace is forecast. Brighton often suits those up with the speed, and with few genuine front-runners here, PIETRO looks ideally placed to dictate or track steady fractions. This scenario could catch out closers like TEA SEA, who may struggle to reel in the leaders unless pace unexpectedly lifts.

Draw Angle: Not relevant due to field size (4 runners), but Brighton’s downhill run-in puts a premium on tactical speed and track position.


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Contenders Breakdown:

PIETRO (79) – Progressive and well placed. Three-time runner-up this season, including a narrow defeat in a better race at Haydock. 7f on a sound surface suits ideally. Prominent racing style is a big asset in a small field where he may control matters. James Fanshawe’s 3yo gelding is tactically suited and still on the up.

GRADUATED (78) – Proven and consistent. From an in-form yard (Dr Newland/Jamie Insole) with good stats when sending single runners to flat meetings. She has held her form well in both codes and has won over this trip. May struggle for pace if held up again, but she has tactical flexibility. Watch the market.

TEA SEA (77) – Exposed but in form. Back to form when a neck second over C&D last month. Handles quick ground and has form over various surfaces. Stays further but tends to race in midfield and may be caught out by the steady gallop. Has won off similar marks, but preference is for more pace around him.

LEXINGTON JET (67p) – Promising but unproven. Lightly raced and makes handicap debut off modest maiden efforts. Bred to stay at least this far, but lacks substance in the book. Trainer switch to handicaps always a positive for David Loughnane, but the betting will tell plenty. Must improve but holds a ‘p’ for potential.


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Suitability Ratings (Out of 10):

Horse Track Distance Going Pace Overall

Pietro 9 9 9 9 9
Graduated 8 8 9 7 8
Tea Sea 8 8 9 6 7.75
Lexington Jet 6 7 7 5 6.25



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Private Tissue Estimate:

Pietro – 6/4

Graduated – 3/1

Tea Sea – 10/3

Lexington Jet – 6/1



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Race Summary:

A tactical four-runner contest where PIETRO looks ideally suited to dominate a sedate tempo. He’s been knocking on the door and has solid form in higher-grade events. GRADUATED is the value if ridden handier and looks the each-way play in a bigger field, though slightly vulnerable for win purposes. TEA SEA brings strong C&D form but may lack the tactical pace today. LEXINGTON JET is a wildcard – low mileage and potentially better now handicapping, but hard to assess with confidence.


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Smart Play:

Win – PIETRO – Suited by the pace, trip and class. Looks the most reliable and tactically advantaged runner.
Watch – GRADUATED – May offer value if there’s money late and if she races closer to the pace.

Keep an eye on market signals for LEXINGTON JET in his first handicap – any strength could be significant.