Pace and Tactical Angles:

Pace Forecast: Strong – Multiple confirmed front-runners. This is expected to set up well for patiently-ridden types.

Tactical Note: Despite Uttoxeter typically suiting front-runners, today’s strong gallop may favour strong-travelling closers or midfield trackers, such as Crystal Mer.



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Contenders and Tactical Fit

Strongest Contenders:

LA QUARITE (119 TFR) – Bolted up by 36 lengths over fences at Newton Abbot and now reverts to hurdles off the same mark. Won’t get such a soft lead here, but hard to ignore with Bowen up. Progressive and thrown in on last run.

CRYSTAL MER (117 TFR) – Hugely improved for this yard; won on stable debut, then only just denied when runner-up here latest. Step up in trip a positive. Likely to benefit from strong pace. Progressive and tactically suited.



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Main Dangers:

SIXTY PLUS (114p TFR) – Non-runner today but was shaping up to be the biggest threat with back-to-back wins in style for James Owen. One to note for next time.

MALANGEN (113 TFR) – Wide-margin win latest in small field after aggressive ride. 10yo but stable going well and this trip/ground suits. May be taken on early for lead. Proven but tactically vulnerable today.

SPARTAN WARRIOR (107 TFR) – Fair novice form, has progressed quietly. Needs a career-best but Hughes booking is notable. Honest but exposed.



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Interesting Outsiders:

GRILLON DE MONTY (110 TFR) – Back to form when winning over fences last time. Reverts to hurdles off workable mark. May be suited by strong tempo. Value play at a price.

NOTTODAYBOBO (108+ TFR) – Solid return off layoff, has ability and unexposed for this yard. Could sneak into the frame with race fitness advanced. Could improve again.



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Runner Scores and Suitability

La Quarite: 9/10 – Well-treated, in peak form, proven at trip and ground, strong pace not ideal but still rates top.

Crystal Mer: 8.5/10 – Improving sharply, handles course, pace will suit, big chance.

Nottodaybobo: 7/10 – Solid seasonal debut, has scope to build.

Malangen: 7/10 – Big win last time, may be pressured up front.

Grillon de Monty: 6.5/10 – Back in form, handles both codes, capable in right setup.

Spartan Warrior: 6/10 – Reliable but exposed, potential place claims.

Old Bridge: 5.5/10 – Inconsistent, hard to trust.

Jumping Jupiter: 4.5/10 – Breathing issues a concern, opposable.

Lazy Bones: 4/10 – Bleeder, lengthy layoff, best watched.

King of the Hill: 3.5/10 – Out of form, weak finisher.


Advice: “Keep an eye on the market for support or big drifts for runners returning from layoffs of 90+ days.”
Also: “Watch out for recent wide-margin winners – sometimes the figure flatters the setup.”


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Each-Way Angles (10 runners)

Grillon de Monty – Could be suited by race shape and switch back to hurdles; value if 16/1+.



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Private Tissue Estimate

La Quarite – 5/2

Crystal Mer – 11/4

Nottodaybobo – 7/1

Malangen – 8/1

Grillon de Monty – 10/1

Spartan Warrior – 11/1

Old Bridge – 14/1

Jumping Jupiter – 25/1

Lazy Bones – 40/1

King of the Hill – 50/1



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Summary and Smart Play

La Quarite looks exceptionally well-in on the back of a wide-margin win and reverts to hurdles off the same mark. Crystal Mer, however, has solid form over these flights and will be more tactically suited by the expected strong pace.


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Smart Play

Win Bet: CRYSTAL MER – Strong finishing profile, progressive, perfectly positioned for race shape.

Each-Way Saver: GRILLON DE MONTY – Back in form, could nick a place if it collapses late up front.