Pace and Tactical Angles:

Pace Forecast: Even. With several prominent racers, notably Midnight Jewel, The Gypsy Davey, and Presentandcounting, the pace should be solid without being frenetic.

Tactical Note: This course and trip tend to suit handy or prominent racers. Midnight Jewel and Raby Mere, both pace-positive types, are well positioned. Hold-up types like Aslukwoodhavit may struggle unless there’s a stronger-than-expected gallop.



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Contenders and Tactical Fit

Strongest Contenders:

MIDNIGHT JEWEL (126 TFR) – Back in form with headgear and arrives in peak shape. Comfortable Stratford winner last time and ideal tactical profile for Uttoxeter. Effective around this trip and versatile on ground. Proven and well-suited.

RABY MERE (Chase debut) – Improving hurdler with 2 wins and a solid second in his last three. Jumps well and shapes like a chaser. Prominent style suits, and Murphy/Bowen combo at this track has good stats. Promising chaser type.

GOLDEN AMBITION (125 TFR) – Going the right way over fences and possibly went too hard too soon last time. Still unexposed as a chaser and proven over the trip. Progressive profile.



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Main Dangers:

PRESENTANDCOUNTING (123 TFR) – Reliable but vulnerable to younger legs. Reverts to fences now after a recent hurdles spin. Respected but limited upside.

THE GYPSY DAVEY (122 TFR) – Can bounce back returned to a suitable trip. Has made the running to good effect before. Pace angle if getting soft lead.



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Interesting Outsiders:

ASLUKWOODHAVIT (124 TFR) – Poor strike rate and unproven beyond 2m. Flattered latest. Hold-up style a negative.

COLLINGHAM and MOODOFTHEMOMENT – Both have big questions to answer; recent runs well below required level.

KILMURRY JJ – On retrieval mission after two lifeless efforts for new yard.



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Runner Scores and Suitability

Midnight Jewel: 8.5/10 – Track, trip, form and pace profile all positive.

Raby Mere: 8/10 – Chase debut but everything points to him adapting well.

Golden Ambition: 7.5/10 – Going the right way, just needs better race management.

The Gypsy Davey: 6.5/10 – Needs easy lead to shine; vulnerable in deeper race.

Presentandcounting: 6/10 – Honest but susceptible to youth/progression.

Aslukwoodhavit: 5.5/10 – Poor win record, may get caught out by lack of pace.

Kilmurry JJ: 4/10 – Current form uninspiring.

Moodofthemoment: 3.5/10 – Three poor runs, big bounce needed.

Collingham: 3/10 – Maiden chaser with stamina query.


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


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Each-Way Angles (9 runners)

Golden Ambition (9/2): Progressive and unexposed as a chaser, a solid each-way play if race shape holds up.



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Private Tissue Estimate

Midnight Jewel – 3/1

Raby Mere – 4/1

Golden Ambition – 11/2

The Gypsy Davey – 7/1

Presentandcounting – 10/1

Aslukwoodhavit – 12/1

Kilmurry JJ – 14/1

Moodofthemoment – 25/1

Collingham – 40/1


Market watch advised for runners making their 2nd start.


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Summary and Smart Play

A race where handy types are likely to dominate again. Midnight Jewel looks the one to beat with his strong tactical profile and resurgent form. Raby Mere has more to come over fences and could be a serious threat if jumping holds up. Golden Ambition is a worthy each-way angle at the prices.


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Smart Play

Win Bet: MIDNIGHT JEWEL (in-form, tactically ideal)

Each-Way Saver: GOLDEN AMBITION (unexposed, better than latest run)



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