Pace Angles:
A weak pace is forecast, a concern for confirmed hold-up types. Notably, Political Power and Golden Circet are better positioned for this scenario compared to Silver Nightfall, who could find herself at a disadvantage.


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Key Contenders:

Virtue Patience (87 TFR) – Progressive 3yo who overcame trouble to finish a close third at Newbury. Remains off the same mark and represents the promise in the field. Needs a pace to aim at but improving steadily. 8/10

Political Power (85 TFR) – Took advantage of a pace collapse last time and did well to get up at Newmarket. Will be well suited by the steady tempo here. Proven at the trip. 8/10

Buy The Dip (82 TFR) – In the form of his life and unlucky not to win at Brighton last time. Consistent and should get a good stalking position. 7.5/10

Rockstar Icon (83 TFR) – Solid return after an absence and may come on for the run. Strong travelling type but might find the test a bit sharp on this track. 7/10

Golden Circet (82 TFR) – Ran well again last time at Newbury; exposed but genuine. Could control things if sent forward early, although has a history of trading short in defeat. 7/10

Orbaan (77 TFR) – Veteran who scored last time in seller company. Penalised here and others are more progressive. Course winner. 6.5/10



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Others:

OJ Lifestyle – Lively on his day but regressive in profile and trainer remains in strong form. 5.5/10

Marsh Benham – Inconsistent and tends to fluff the start. Epsom track may not play to his quirks. 5/10

Jiff’s Army – Lightly raced 3yo, fair maiden form but needs more to defy mark. 5/10

Silver Nightfall – Opposed due to pace bias and lacklustre return. 4.5/10



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Private Tissue Estimate (100% book):

Virtue Patience – 4/1

Political Power – 5/1

Buy The Dip – 11/2

Golden Circet – 13/2

Rockstar Icon – 7/1

Orbaan – 8/1

OJ Lifestyle – 14/1

Marsh Benham – 16/1

Jiff’s Army – 18/1

Silver Nightfall – 25/1



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Summary:

This race features a group of fair but mostly exposed older handicappers facing off against two progressive 3yos. Virtue Patience looks the most interesting, still well handicapped, and her strong closing effort at Newbury suggests there’s more to come. Political Power should be well positioned to strike early and is clearly in form.


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Smart Play:

Win Bet – Virtue Patience (progressive 3yo, strong closing effort, unexposed)
Each-Way Saver – Political Power (well placed in weak pace, recent winner)