Pace Angles + Draw Angles:
A strong pace is expected here, and that should favour those who can settle mid-to-rear and finish strongly, particularly on soft ground. There’s a low-draw bias over this 1m trip at Yarmouth, which further boosts Hinitsa Bay (stall 2) and Willow’s Kiss (stall 1). Front-runners may struggle to hold on if the gallop proves honest.
Strongest Contenders + Main Dangers + Interesting Outsiders
- HINITSA BAY (IRE) – Proven & Improving
Won a C&D handicap convincingly last time, doing so by 1½ lengths and shaping as though there was more to come. Well on top at the finish and now only 4 lb higher. The soft ground is a slight question mark (form all on quicker), but breeding and style suggest he’ll stay on it. Tactically versatile and drawn perfectly in stall 2. - ROKUNI (IRE) – Progressive Profile
Eye-catching figures in recent runs despite failing to land a blow. Regularly races behind the pace but has shown a consistent ability to close off strong fractions. Fast sectionals in previous efforts and remains lightly raced. Ideal setup today, especially if pace collapses. Drawn a bit wide in 11 but rider is skilled at slotting in. - UNITED FORCE (IRE) – Proven C&D Winner
Winner of division of this race in 2024. Form is patchy since, but he’s back under more suitable conditions (C&D, softer ground) and gets De Sousa in the plate. If bouncing back, he’s dangerous off current mark. Needs race to collapse late.
Interesting Outsiders:
- BORDERLINE MADNESS – Unexposed Improver
Good form at Beverley and Yarmouth in mid-pack finishes. Handles softer underfoot and stays the mile well. Drawn okay in 6, and may run into the frame with a patient ride. - TYPEFACE – Handicap Debut
Well-bred type (Wootton Bassett) now switching to handicaps. Very lightly raced and has shown little in novice/maiden company but steps up to suitable trip with first-time tongue tie. Drawn low in stall 8. Profile suggests there’s a fair chance of a jolt forward.
Runner Scores and Suitability Analysis:
- Hinitsa Bay: 8.5/10 – Proven, tactically versatile, well drawn, course winner.
- Rokuni (IRE): 8/10 – Ticking upward, figures strong, right race shape.
- United Force (IRE): 7/10 – Inconsistent but C&D winner, gets soft again.
- Typeface: 6.5/10 – Very interesting as handicap debutant; well bred.
- Borderline Madness: 6.5/10 – Quiet improver; could be dangerous late.
- Willow’s Kiss: 5.5/10 – May find this test stretches her; better at 7f.
- Zaramara: 5/10 – Soft may help, but needs to improve her finish.
- Iftikhaar: 5/10 – Out of sorts; unconvincing profile.
- Eagle Landed: 4.5/10 – Returning from layoff; tough ask off break.
- Darlo Lady: 4/10 – Stays well but overall lacks finishing power.
- Primrose Maid: 3.5/10 – Tired finisher, may struggle in testing ground.
- Duffus Castle: 3/10 – Limited evidence; hard 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 sprinters returning quickly – Hinitsa Bay returns just 19 days after win.
Each-Way Angles (12 runners):
- Rokuni (IRE) – Reliable closer with good sectionals; strong pace suits.
- Typeface – Unexposed on handicap debut; significant upside.
Private Tissue Estimate:
- Hinitsa Bay – 2/1
- Rokuni – 9/2
- United Force – 6/1
- Typeface – 10/1
- Borderline Madness – 11/1
- Zaramara – 14/1
- Willow’s Kiss – 14/1
- Eagle Landed – 16/1
- Darlo Lady – 20/1
- Iftikhaar – 20/1
- Primrose Maid – 25/1
- Duffus Castle – 33/1
Market watch advised for runners making their 2nd start.
Summary + Professional Punter View (Smart Play):
This 0–52 contest features a few well-treated and progressive types amidst exposed runners. Hinitsa Bay is upwardly mobile and landed a similar event with authority. He remains fairly handicapped and well drawn for another bold showing. Rokuni brings strong pace-adjusted sectionals and is overdue a breakthrough. Typeface is a potential dark horse stepping up to this trip and into handicap company.
Smart Play:
- Win bet: Hinitsa Bay – Course winner, adaptable, improving.
- Each-way saver: Rokuni (IRE) – Well suited by pace, numbers favour a closer.
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