TimeWise Chronicles

Previews of the pick of Friday’s racing.

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14:50 Musselburgh – Saddle Up with Tiger Lily Boutique Selling Stakes (Class 3)

  • Race Details: Distance: 7f 15y. Age: 2yo. Prize: £10,468. Surface: Turf. Runners: 9. Going: Good (Good to Firm in places).
  • Pace Angles: An even pace is forecast, which typically favours prominent or stalking types at this course and trip. Hold-up runners will need significant luck.
  • Draw Angles: There is no obvious draw bias. However, low-to-mid draws (stalls 1-5) are marginally favoured to maintain early position.
  • Runners and Pertinent Information:
    • SNAKE CHARMER (TFR 81): Fair form, having won a maiden at Brighton in July. However, he raced too freely last time at Newbury, raising temperament questions. He is lightly raced, and Hollie Doyle is booked.
    • EL CARRUSEL (TFR 72): This colt is a first foal with no prior race form provided.
    • GOING COMMANDO (IRE) (TFR 84): Showed fair form with a second-place finish at Chester in May. His subsequent efforts were modest, and he appears better suited to galloping tracks. He doesn’t always find under pressure, and cheekpieces are applied for the first time.
    • POWER SUPREME (IRE) (TFR 59): A poor maiden who finished last of five in his latest nursery start at Musselburgh. He has worn blinkers in his last two outings.
    • THE FLOORS MUNKY (TFR 71): A first foal with no race form provided. His pedigree suggests he lacks precocity, but juveniles by his sire can improve sharply.
    • HOMESTRAIT (IRE) (TFR 81): A fair performer who broke his maiden at Doncaster in July, but has been runner-up four times from six starts. He is tough but lacks the finishing kick of the leading contenders.
    • SOCIAL EXCLUSION (TFR 83): This filly is improving with racing and has performed well under various conditions, including a maiden win at Southwell and two subsequent placings. She stays 7f well, settles better than most, and is ideally drawn for a stalking position.
    • BOBBYS PRIDE (IRE) (No TFR provided): Has been well held in minor events and maidens, having worn a hood.
    • QUEEN LEILA (TFR 76): Has shaped well in her two starts and is expected to improve for the extra furlong, with her pedigree suggesting 7f is a minimum trip. She may get a soft trip from stall 2.
  • Betting Forecast: 10/3 Social Exclusion, 7/2 Going Commando, 9/2 Snake Charmer, 11/2 Homestrait, 9/1 Queen Leila, 16/1 The Floors Munky, 20/1 El Carrusel, 40/1 Power Supreme, 66/1 Bobbys Pride.
  • Race Picks:
    • Win Bet: Social Exclusion – She is fit, progressing well, and ideally suited to the predicted pace setup.
    • Each-Way Saver: Queen Leila – She is shaping up as a staying-on type and offers value at her price.

15:20 Musselburgh – Champagne Pommery Brut Royal Gold Cup Handicap (Class 3)

  • Race Details: Distance: 7f 15y. Age: 3yo+. Prize: £10,468. Rated: (0-90). Surface: Turf. Runners: 7. Going: Good (Good to Firm in places).
  • Pace Angles: A very weak pace is forecast, which will strongly favour prominent racers. Hold-up types, such as Yaaser, may be compromised.
  • Draw Angles: There is no prevailing draw bias.
  • Runners and Pertinent Information:
    • CRIMSON SPIRIT (TFR 95): A useful handicapper who secured three wins recently but had his latest run at Goodwood excused due to a hopeless task from his position.
    • INDIVIDUALISM (TFR 93): A fairly useful handicapper who won at Hamilton but was not seen to best effect last time when caught wide. He may be outpaced in this setup.
    • GRESSINGTON (IRE) (TFR 96): A fairly useful handicapper who placed third at Doncaster and a respectable fourth last time. He is a prominent runner but has a record of underperforming when fancied.
    • YAASER (IRE) (TFR 96): A fairly useful handicapper with an excellent Musselburgh record, including a recent win there. However, his hold-up style and the very weak pace forecast make him an unsuitable option today.
    • BELLARCHI (IRE) (TFR 99): In top form with a Catterick win and a solid Chester second. Her prominent running style is perfect for this tactical setup, and she looks well-treated on her current mark.
    • FAR ABOVE DREAM (IRE) (TFR 95): A lightly raced 3-year-old who won impressively at Bath and finished a solid third at Epsom. A return to 7f may unlock further improvement.
    • INANNA (IRE) (TFR 93): A progressive mare who is chasing a hat-trick after recent wins at Ayr and Hamilton. She races prominently, is in good form, and is well-drawn for how this race may unfold.
  • Betting Forecast: 11/4 Bellarchi, 4/1 Yaaser, 5/1 Inanna, 11/2 Far Above Dream, 8/1 Crimson Spirit, 10/1 Gressington, 22/1 Individualism.
  • Race Picks:
    • Win Bet: BELLARCHI – She controls the race shape, is in top form, and is at peak fitness for this race.
    • Value Each-Way: INANNA – A progressive mare who is well-drawn and ideally positioned to benefit from the pace scenario.
    • Avoid: YAASER – Despite his course form, the very weak pace forecast is strongly against his hold-up style.

15:30 Brighton – Harry Bloom Memorial “Brighton Bullet” Handicap (Class 4)

  • Race Details: Distance: 5f 215y. Age: 3yo+. Prize: £10,468. Rated: (0-80). Surface: Turf. Runners: 13. Going: Good to Firm (Good in places).
  • Pace Angles: A very strong pace is forecast. This scenario may benefit hold-up horses if the early pace causes a collapse. Horses like Abate and Spanish Star may find the fast pace detrimental.
  • Draw Angles: There is no prevailing draw bias, however, there is a noted bias against low draws at this course/distance.
  • Runners and Pertinent Information:
    • CINDY LOU WHO (TFR 90): A 3-year-old filly in form, who secured her second win of 2025 at Windsor last time. She is suited to a fast pace with a good finishing kick and has course form.
    • ANOTHER ABBOT (IRE) (TFR 89): A fairly useful handicapper who won at Newmarket in June but showed slight regression last time. He is well-drawn and races handy, and his trainer, William Haggas, has a history of winning this race.
    • SPANISH STAR (IRE) (TFR 89): A fairly useful handicapper who won at Newbury in June and shaped as if still in form last time. He sometimes starts slowly and races off the pace, which might be a disadvantage given the strong pace forecast.
    • MUMAYAZ (IRE) (TFR 88): A fairly useful handicapper with three wins in 2025, including one at Brighton. He can miss the break but finishes well, and the fast pace should suit his run-style.
    • HONOUR YOUR DREAMS (FR) (TFR 87): A fairly useful handicapper who won at Windsor and Lingfield in May and July, respectively, but was well held last time.
    • WAY TO DUBAI (IRE) (TFR 84): A fair handicapper who has been below form recently.
    • ZIGGY’S ARIEL (IRE) (TFR 86): A fairly useful handicapper who won at Ripon in April but was well below form last time. She typically fronts or races prominently.
    • GOLD STAR HERO (IRE) (TFR 87): A fairly useful handicapper who is prone to pulling hard, which could be an issue with a strong pace.
    • GLAMOUR SHOW (TFR 85): A fairly useful performer who won at Kempton in March and was a respectable fourth last time. Her finishing speed is an asset.
    • CHARLIE MASON (TFR 89): A very consistent fair handicapper who won at Wolverhampton and Leicester. He recently finished a respectable third and has solid each-way claims.
    • CAPTAIN KINSELLA (TFR 89): A fairly useful performer who has been well below form in his last two handicap starts. He has undergone a breathing operation since his last appearance.
    • ABATE (TFR 93): A fairly useful handicapper who ended a long losing run with a dominant 4-length win at Lingfield last time. He is a front-runner, and the fast early pace is a concern for him.
    • THE THAMES BOATMAN (TFR 87): A fairly useful handicapper, generally better on all-weather surfaces, who has been runner-up five times this season. He often starts slowly.
  • Betting Forecast: 3/1 Abate, 13/2 Another Abbot, 13/2 Cindy Lou Who, 9/1 Mumayaz, 14/1 Glamour Show, 16/1 Gold Star Hero, 16/1 The Thames Boatman, 16/1 Spanish Star, 22/1 Ziggy’s Ariel, 22/1 Charlie Mason, 25/1 Honour Your Dreams, 33/1 Captain Kinsella, 40/1 Way To Dubai.
  • Race Picks:
    • Win Bet: CINDY LOU WHO – She has solid form and is well-suited by the anticipated race shape.
    • Value Each-Way: MUMAYAZ – He should benefit from a potential pace collapse up front and has proven course form.

15:55 Musselburgh – Champagne Pommery Cuvee Louise Handicap (Class 4)

  • Race Details: Distance: 5f 1y. Age: 3yo+. Prize: £6,281. Rated: (0-80). Surface: Turf. Runners: 7. Going: Good (Good to Firm in places).
  • Pace Angles: A weak pace is forecast. Prominent racers are typically favoured at this track and distance, giving a tactical edge to front-runners or those drawn wide to attack.
  • Draw Angles: There is no draw bias.
  • Runners and Pertinent Information:
    • POP STAR (IRE) (TFR 87): A fairly useful handicapper who is inconsistent. The predicted pace and track conditions are not suited to his late-running style today.
    • AL HUSSAR (TFR 91): A rapid improver who finished an excellent second last week at Thirsk. He is suited by the likely tactical pace and is drawn to pounce late, though a slight concern is being caught too far back early.
    • JM JHINGREE (IRE) (TFR 88): A fairly useful handicapper who won at Musselburgh in July. His form can be hit or miss, but his win before his last run was promising.
    • PROTEST RALLY (IRE) (TFR 90): Boasts an excellent record at this venue, having won this race a year ago. He is drawn perfectly to attack from the outside and is considered a main danger, especially if he gets an easy lead.
    • ZIGGY’S TRITON (IRE) (TFR 87): A fairly useful performer who won a minor event at Nottingham in July. He often trades short in running but has a history of rarely winning and being unreliable.
    • BONITO CAVALO (No TFR provided): A handicapper who showed progressive form in 2024 but has been clearly out of sorts recently.
    • OUR ABSENT FRIENDS (IRE) (TFR 89): A fair handicapper with decent form, but he often needs conditions to fall perfectly for him. The reapplication of headgear could sharpen him.
  • Betting Forecast: 9/4 Al Hussar, 4/1 Our Absent Friends, 5/1 Protest Rally, 7/1 Jm Jhingree, 9/1 Ziggy’s Triton, 10/1 Pop Star, 33/1 Bonito Cavalo.
  • Race Picks:
    • Win Bet: AL HUSSAR.
    • Danger: PROTEST RALLY.
    • Value Each-Way (if betting for places): OUR ABSENT FRIENDS.
    • Lay (unsuited by pace): POP STAR.

16:13 Thirsk – Join Racing TV Today Handicap (Class 3)

  • Race Details: Distance: 1m 4f 8y. Age: 4yo+. Prize: £9,720. Rated: (0-95). Surface: Turf. Runners: 6. Going: Good to Firm (Good in places).
  • Pace Angles: A very weak pace is forecast. This will significantly advantage prominent racers.
  • Draw Angles: There is no draw bias.
  • Runners and Pertinent Information:
    • MR ALAN (TFR 104): A useful handicapper who finished second in Sakhir in March but was well below form last time. He is better on softer ground than what is expected today.
    • PADDY THE SQUIRE (TFR 107): A fairly useful handicapper who won at Chester in May and ran an excellent second in the Old Newton Cup at Haydock. He is a prominent runner, perfectly suited to the predicted race tempo, and is considered a rock-solid win bet.
    • MELEK ALREEH (USA) (TFR 106): A fairly useful handicapper who won twice in 2024 and was narrowly beaten last time at Newbury. He is reliable, consistent, and possesses tactical speed, making him a strong danger to the favourite.
    • RIBBLE VIBE (IRE) (TFR 109p): Showed fairly useful form in a newcomers race in 2023 and stepped up significantly on his reappearance with a third-place finish at Newcastle. This is only his third UK start, and he has loads of potential to improve. He may prefer a stronger pace but is a wildcard to watch late.
    • FINANCER (TFR 108): A fairly useful handicapper who finished second at York in June. He is considered exposed and needs everything to fall right to contend.
    • SAX APPEAL (TFR 106): A fairly useful handicapper who won at Beverley last time. He likes front-running but is not proven at this level/class.
  • Betting Forecast: 11/4 Paddy The Squire, 3/1 Melek Alreeh, 5/1 Ribble Vibe, 6/1 Sax Appeal, 8/1 Mr Alan, 8/1 Financer.
  • Race Picks:
    • Win Bet: PADDY THE SQUIRE.
    • Forecast/Exacta: PADDY THE SQUIRE / MELEK ALREEH.
    • Watchlist Each-Way: RIBBLE VIBE (for a late closer upset).

17:28 Wexford – Neville Hotels Handicap Hurdle

  • Race Details: Distance: 2m 180y. Age: 4yo+. Prize: €12,000. Going: Good – Good to Yielding in Places. Runners: 10.
  • Pace Angles: A weak early pace is predicted, with a lack of natural pace-setters. This scenario is expected to boost the chances of prominent runners like Bowensonfire and Red Glory, and disadvantage hold-up types such as Inchiquin Star, Star Official, and Feud.
  • Draw Angles: Not applicable for hurdle races.
  • Runners and Pertinent Information:
    • BOWENSONFIRE (FR) (TFR 139): A useful hurdler with 3 wins from his last 5 completed starts, including a recent authoritative win at Bellewstown. He unseated at the first in the Galway Hurdle but boasts consistent pace figures and natural tactical speed, making him likely to dictate the race.
    • FEUD (TFR 140): Showed useful form over hurdles with maiden and novice wins. He was well held in the Grimes Hurdle on his return but is a strong-travelling sort who could be a potential “sleeper” if the early pace is slow.
    • MOONOVERCLOON (IRE) (TFR 138): A useful handicap hurdler/maiden chaser who is reverting from fences. He appears to have more stamina than pace for this setup.
    • FIRST DARE (IRE) (TFR 139): A fairly useful handicap hurdler who won in 2024/25 but has shown mixed form since, and appears to have lost her best form.
    • WAR CORRESPONDENT (IRE) (TFR 139§): An unpredictable but dangerous contender who recently landed a maiden chase at this track. He is potentially well-handicapped on that performance if he can replicate it over hurdles, despite being a “warning horse”.
    • RED GLORY (IRE) (TFR 138): A fairly useful handicap hurdler who returned from a break with a career-best win at Tipperary. He is tactically versatile, acts well on this ground, and his trainer/jockey combination have strong stats at Wexford.
    • INCHIQUIN STAR (IRE) (TFR 143): A fairly useful handicap hurdler who won twice at Wexford in 2024/25, boasting a good course record. However, her hold-up style is a concern in a slow-paced race.
    • MERCURY MISSION (TFR 141): A free-going, fairly useful handicap hurdler who is usually held up. He looked back in form last time, finishing with running left, and could be a place possibility.
    • THE BLAGGARD (IRE) (TFR 137): Showed fair form over hurdles but has been absent since December. There is little recent evidence to support a bet on him.
    • STAR OFFICIAL (IRE) (TFR 140): A consistent, fair handicap hurdler who always runs on late. However, without a pace collapse, he is vulnerable to more tactical horses and is considered a place angle only.
  • Betting Forecast: 3/1 Red Glory, 6/1 Bowensonfire, 7/1 War Correspondent, 8/1 Inchiquin Star, 10/1 Feud, 10/1 Star Official, 12/1 Mercury Mission, 14/1 Moonovercloon, 20/1 First Dare, 25/1 The Blaggard.
  • Race Picks:
    • Win Bet: Bowensonfire – He is in top form, controls the race shape, and is at peak fitness.
    • Each-Way Saver: Feud – While he needs things to fall right, he profiles as a good back-to-form play.

17:47 Tipperary – Coolmore Stud Churchill Stakes (Listed)

  • Race Details: Distance: 7f 100y. Age: 2yo. Prize: €27,000. TRWs: Av 108. Race State: Declaration. Surface: Turf. Runners: 6. Going: Good to firm-good in places.
  • Pace Angles: A weak early gallop is forecast. This scenario is expected to augment the chances of BRUSSELS and disadvantage hold-up tendencies like those of EMPTY WALLET (IRE).
  • Draw Angles: There is no obvious draw bias for this extended 7f configuration at Tipperary with a small field, though low-to-middle draws can help maintain early position.
  • Runners and Pertinent Information:
    • MAXIMUM SCEPTICISM (IRE) (TFR 94): Showed fairly useful form, winning a maiden at Nottingham by making virtually all. He is an improving colt with front-running ability, which enhances his claims in a weakly run race.
    • EMPTY WALLET (IRE) (TFR 84p): Showed fair form, winning a maiden at Bellewstown last time. However, today’s pace setup is less suitable for his hold-up tendencies, and he may find himself outpaced.
    • TIME BENDER (IRE) (TFR 93p): Shaped well on debut, winning a 15-runner maiden at Leopardstown by making all. He is still raw but has upside and might try to dominate, though a wide draw could force a tactical decision.
    • SUSPICIOUS MINDZ (TFR 77p): Showed some ability on debut but ran green. His dam’s stamina suggests he will improve for further, but he is up against more advanced types here.
    • THESECRETADVERSARY (IRE) (TFR 107): Has shown useful form, finishing runner-up in all three starts, including a Listed race at Ascot. He gives the impression he is ready to win, but holds up and could be undone if there is no pace to tow him into the race.
    • BRUSSELS (TFR 105p): Has made a promising start to his career, winning on debut before shaping better than the result when fourth in a Group 2 at Newmarket. He is expected to resume winning ways as he goes up in trip, and his trainer, Aidan O’Brien, has won this race four times in the last 10 years.
  • Betting Forecast: 13/8 Brussels, 11/4 Thesecretadversary, 9/2 Maximum Scepticism, 8/1 Empty Wallet, 10/1 Time Bender, 40/1 Suspicious Mindz.
  • Race Picks:
    • Win Bet: Brussels – He demonstrates class, has a tactical fit for the race, and is likely to progress further.
    • Each-Way Saver: Maximum Scepticism – He is expected to race prominently and could secure a place if Brussels underperforms.

18:22 Tipperary – Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Handicap

  • Race Details: Distance: 7f 100y. Age: 3yo+. Prize: €12,300. TWFA: 3 9-9. Race State: Declaration. Surface: Turf. Runners: 9. Going: Good to firm-good in places.
  • Pace Angles: A strong early pace is forecast, with multiple forward-going types likely to contest the lead. This scenario sets the race up for those with energy-efficient running styles who can settle off the pace and finish strongly, tactically favouring Empress Artemis and Mallavelly.
  • Draw Angles: There is no prevailing draw bias. However, with likely pace both inside and out, mid-to-low numbers should be best positioned to slot in behind the speed.
  • Runners and Pertinent Information:
    • MALLAVELLY (IRE) (TFR 91): Comes into this race in peak form, having scored in a competitive 17-runner Leopardstown handicap. She is proven under pressure and acts on a range of ground, but is up 6 lb and has to defy a career-high mark in a deeper race.
    • SHAVASI (IRE) (TFR 90+): A fairly useful handicapper who won in 2024 but was below form last time. She usually fronts or races prominently, but with multiple pace rivals, she is likely to be forced wide or go too hard.
    • NO ALIBI (USA): This horse is a non-runner.
    • GREATEST DRAMA (IRE) (TFR 78): A fairly useful performer who won a maiden in 2024 but has failed to fire in recent efforts and needs to rediscover previous levels.
    • PRESENCE (IRE) (TFR 81): A fairly useful handicapper who has been out of sorts this year. She is exposed and vulnerable to unexposed improvers.
    • EMPRESS ARTEMIS (IRE) (TFR 92): An unexposed and progressive filly who has finished second on her last two starts at the Curragh. She produced strong finishing figures in strongly run races, is well-drawn to track the pace, and is now with the Lyons yard, who excel with this type.
    • SHELBIANA (IRE) (TFR 85): Still learning but won a 21-runner Curragh maiden last time, coming off the pace to win narrowly. She showed a strong closing effort and appears to have more to offer now stepping into handicaps.
    • CRYSTAL BALL (IRE) (TFR 86): Showed fair form in her first two starts but was possibly amiss last time. She is lightly raced and holds minor appeal at her price.
    • TOUCH THE SOUND (IRE) (TFR 89+): A fair performer who has underperformed this year, though her AW win last season gives hope. She is well-handicapped if she can bounce back, but from stall 1, she may be forced to use energy early.
  • Betting Forecast: 3/1 Shelbiana, 10/3 No Alibi, 4/1 Mallavelly, 5/1 Empress Artemis, 12/1 Crystal Ball, 33/1 Shavasi, 33/1 Greatest Drama, 33/1 Touch The Sound, 40/1 Presence.
  • Race Picks:
    • Win Bet: Empress Artemis – She is tactically advantaged and running at her peak level.
    • Each-Way Saver: Shelbiana – She is improving and likely to produce a strong run off a low weight in a setup that suits.

19:05 Newmarket (July) – Maritime Cargo Services Outperforming The Opposition Handicap (Class 4)

  • Race Details: Distance: 6f. Age: 3yo+. Prize: £7,731. Rated: (0-80). Surface: Turf. Runners: 14. Going: Good (Good to Firm in places).
  • Pace Angles: A strong pace is forecast. Hold-up horses are generally not dominant at this trip, and the race tactics will suit those racing prominently but not drawn low.
  • Draw Angles: There is a draw bias against low draws.
  • Runners and Pertinent Information:
    • ANGEL SHARED (TFR 87): A fairly useful handicapper who won at Newmarket last time, proving game to regain the lead. However, she is drawn in stall 1, which is the worst draw given the bias.
    • EXPERT AGENT (TFR 87): A fairly useful handicapper who won at Newmarket and Haydock in June and July. He was not seen to best effect last time and may struggle in a big field from the widest draw.
    • DASHING DICK (IRE) (TFR 91): A fairly useful handicapper who has bounced back to form on his last two starts, including a third-place finish over C&D last time. He has a solid C&D record, finished runner-up in this race last year, and is suited to the strong pace and his mid-high draw.
    • RAATEA (TFR 88): A fairly useful handicapper who showed some encouragement last time after a 9-month absence but was not ideally placed. He usually starts slowly and races off the pace.
    • ALBERT CEE (FR) (No TFR provided): A fairly useful handicapper at best who has had little impact in his three starts this season. He usually races prominently.
    • RAJAKING (TFR 87?): A fairly useful performer who won a minor event in May but has lost his way recently.
    • WHEELS OF FIRE (IRE) (TFR 87): A fairly useful handicapper who has been in the frame in four of his six outings this year.
    • DEADLY KISS (USA) (TFR 87): A progressive filly who won a maiden in January and impressed on her UK handicap debut by finishing second at Newmarket. She may still improve, but her low draw (stall 4) is a concern against today’s bias.
    • DARK SIDE THUNDER (TFR 87): A fairly useful handicapper who won at Yarmouth in May and ran respectably last time. He usually races prominently.
    • MAUI BREEZE (TFR 79): A fair performer who won a maiden in 2024 and ran a creditable sixth on her handicap debut last time. She usually fronts or races prominently.
    • SPRING BLOOM (TFR 89): A fairly useful handicapper who has been running creditably, including a third-place finish last time. He won the 2024 renewal of this race and arrives in good heart, making him a sneaky each-way shot.
    • GUNFIGHTER (IRE) (TFR 85): A fair handicapper who was well below form last time.
    • EQUIANO SPRINGS (No TFR provided): A fairly useful handicapper with little impact in his three starts this season. Hopes for a resurgence rest on his return to Newmarket, where he is a dual C&D winner.
    • WAISTCOAT (TFR 90): A fair handicapper who won at Leicester and Nottingham. He is back to form and is well-drawn, with the pace setup suiting him.
  • Betting Forecast: 5/1 Deadly Kiss, 13/2 Angel Shared, 7/1 Dashing Dick, 15/2 Spring Bloom, 9/1 Dark Side Thunder, 9/1 Waistcoat, 14/1 Expert Agent, 14/1 Wheels Of Fire, 18/1 Maui Breeze, 22/1 Rajaking, 28/1 Raatea, 40/1 Albert Cee, 40/1 Gunfighter, 66/1 Equiano Springs.
  • Race Picks:
    • Best Bet (Each-Way or Win): DASHING DICK – He has a strong C&D record, a good draw, and is suited by the race pace.
    • Danger: DEADLY KISS – A progressive filly who impressed on her UK debut.
    • Value Each-Way: SPRING BLOOM – He won this race last year and is still running well.
    • Lay: ANGEL SHARED – Due to her unfavourable low draw.

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