Pace Angles: A weakly-run race is anticipated. With Max of Stars the most likely to press forward, this may favour those with tactical speed or close-up positioning. Howth stands to benefit more than Get The Value, who may not settle ideally if held up off a steady gallop.
Draw Bias: Not applicable over hurdles.


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Strongest Contenders, Main Dangers & Profile Types

Strongest Contender – Max of Stars (124, 5yo, Ollie Pears)
Progressive mare who is unbeaten in 3 runs at Newton Abbot and arrives in top form. Won easily here just 10 days ago (by 3 lengths) and the form stacks up with the second and fourth having shown fair ability. A 5 lb rise looks manageable and her prominent style will suit the expected tempo. Her head carriage isn’t the most straightforward, but the track, ground, and field size all play to her strengths again.

Main Danger – Howth (127, 6yo, Tom Lacey)
Promising type who has won 2 of his first 3 hurdle starts before a mildly underwhelming third in a deeper race at Uttoxeter. May have boiled over in the prelims there (sweated up). Now back in calmer waters and with just a 2 lb rise since his last win. His turn of foot is effective off a slow pace, so this setup could work well if settled. Still has upside and could be the one to challenge the favourite if delivering cleanly.

Contender – Get The Value (125, 7yo, John O’Shea)
Proven at this venue and has gone 1212 in his last four runs. Was narrowly denied here last time when trying to make all, headed late by American Land. While solid and consistent, he might find himself outpaced or vulnerable in a tactical four-runner contest, especially if Howth travels better into it. Still rates a danger if dictating or if pace unexpectedly lifts mid-race.

Outsider – War Lord (???, 10yo, Joe Tizzard)
Once a smart chaser, but his form has regressed sharply and he was well held behind Max of Stars last time. Has had a breathing issue flagged and has now gone 18 runs without a win. Better ground helps, and he holds course form, but is very opposable based on recent form and age.


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Runner Scores and Suitability Analysis

Max of Stars: 8/10 – Tactically versatile, track and trip ideal, and hard to oppose in current form.

Howth: 7/10 – Still unexposed; well suited by likely pace and capable of better.

Get The Value: 6/10 – Solid, reliable type, but the pace setup may not help.

War Lord: 3/10 – Regressive, well held by others recently, difficult to fancy.


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


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Each-Way Angles

No each-way option – only four runners declared.


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Private Tissue Estimate

Max of Stars – 6/4

Howth – 2/1

Get The Value – 3/1

War Lord – 12/1


Market watch advised for runners making their 2nd start.


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Summary + Professional Punter View (Smart Play)

This four-runner tactical race could hinge on positioning and turn of foot. Max of Stars is extremely well suited to small fields and Newton Abbot, and she is the most straightforward in profile. Howth has more upside and could be a danger if settling better than last time. Get The Value is tough and consistent but lacks the gears if the tempo is sedate. War Lord appears on the downgrade and looks vulnerable again.

Smart Play
Win Selection: Max of Stars – thriving and unbeatable so far at Newton Abbot
No each-way saver – only four runners