Pace Angles: With several runners likely to sit off the pace, this looks a weakly run affair. Centara and Magistrato are most likely to go forward, but neither is an out-and-out tearaway. The slow tempo may not favour those needing a strong gallop.
Draw Bias: Not applicable (chase event).


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Strongest Contenders, Main Dangers & Profile Classifications

Strongest Contender – Centara (133+, 7yo, Paul Nicholls)
Progressive chaser who has taken off since a wind op, bolting up by 23l at Hereford then following up at Newton Abbot (beat Magistrato 11l) in a race that featured a strong gallop early but was dominated by his fluent jumping and superior cruising speed. He travelled best throughout and was value for more. His mark (123) still looks within reach, and a weak pace scenario is ideal given his prominent style. Nicholls is operating at a 31% strike rate at Newton Abbot, and the stable form is solid. Remains well treated.

Main Danger – Jet of Dreams (129, 7yo, Warren Greatrex)
Proven type who has held his form well this spring, winning four times in 2024/25. Ran well when second at Worcester last time when the winner got first run. He’s consistent and tactically versatile, though a weak pace isn’t perfect—he’s not usually one to dictate. Has had breathing issues, but he’s found his level and is respected as a danger without significant upside from current mark (109).

Contender – Magistrato (126, 7yo, Deborah Cole)
Proven C&D scorer who chased home Centara last time off a 7-month break. He was comprehensively outpointed there despite having track and ground in his favour. Has a patchy record and has proven a difficult ride on occasions. Might need to try and dictate today to turn tables, but may find Centara too strong again.

Interesting but Risky – The Gypsy Davey (125, 7yo, Evan Williams)
Progressive earlier in the spring, winning two weak novice handicap chases, but made an early exit (snapped rein) last time and still has questions at this level. Bold front-runner and might try to go forward, but lacks the polish of Centara. Williams has a good single-runner stat at the course.

Outsider – Aslukwoodhavit (???, 9yo, Mickey Bowen)
Regressive and unproven beyond 2m. Was useful early in his career but has offered very little for some time. Beaten 29l+ in recent starts and sold cheaply. Hard to support in this company and might be outclassed even in a small field.


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Runner Scores and Suitability Analysis

Centara: 9/10 – Thriving, dominates weaker rivals, handles conditions and could still be ahead of the handicapper.

Jet of Dreams: 7/10 – Reliable, game type with form in similar contests; just lacks the scope of the favourite.

Magistrato: 6/10 – Suited by C&D but lacks consistency and was no match for Centara latest.

The Gypsy Davey: 6/10 – Improving earlier in the year, but still unproven outside novice company and might get outclassed.

Aslukwoodhavit: 3/10 – Poor recent efforts, unproven over trip/class, likely outpaced and outclassed.


Keep an eye on the market for support or big drifts for runners returning from layoffs of 90+ days.
Watch out for in-form chasers returning quickly; they can be hot.


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Each-Way Angles

No each-way angle – only 5 runners declared.


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Private Tissue Estimate

Centara – 4/6

Jet of Dreams – 7/2

Magistrato – 6/1

The Gypsy Davey – 9/1

Aslukwoodhavit – 33/1


Market watch advised for runners making their 2nd start.


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Summary + Professional Punter View (Smart Play)

This looks a clear opportunity for Centara, who is on the up and remains well treated despite back-to-back wide-margin wins. He should control this small field under a positive ride, and his fluent jumping will be an asset again on decent ground. Jet of Dreams is the most consistent threat, while Magistrato is playing for minor honours again.

Smart Play
Win Selection: Centara – thriving chaser who should control a weakly run small field
No each-way saver – insufficient runners for each-way angles