Race Overview

A low-grade handicap with 17 declared (plus reserves) where tactical position and draw have historically been decisive over this trip. On good ground at Gowran, the inside half of the draw (stalls 1–8) has a measurable edge, especially for runners able to sit handy without forcing a strong pace.

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Pace & Draw Shape

Front-runners / Pressers:

• Flier (3) – Prominent C&D winner last time.
• Chou Chou (2) – Can lead or track pace.
• Skib Gold (8) – Forward LTO in shock C&D win.

Midfield / Stalkers:

• Tickling (4), Thegooseiscooked (7), Venetian (5).

Hold-up types:

• Slaney Swagger (11), Harbanaker (17), Famous Enough (14).

Tactical Note:
Expected steady to even tempo, suiting those stalking from a low/mid draw. Leaders unlikely to get taken on aggressively unless Skib Gold and Flier both want it.

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Ratings vs Current Marks

Looking at last-run RPRs vs Official Rating:

• Chou Chou – RPR 66 off OR 50 → +16lb well-in if repeating.
• Flier – RPR 64 off OR 60 → right on ceiling, needs repeat.
• Tickling – RPR 60 off OR 52 → lightly raced improver.
• Slaney Swagger – RPR 65 off OR 53 → consistent, but poor win record.

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Key Contenders

Flier (3, OR 60)

• Form: C&D win 26 Jul (RPR 64).
• Positives: Strong draw; proven trip/ground; retains 7lb claimer.
• Negatives: Now at career-high mark; needs same setup again.
• Chance: Solid, but not bomb-proof at short odds.

Chou Chou (2, OR 50)

• Form: Won Tipperary 2 starts back; 2nd to Flier LTO (RPR 66).
• Positives: Best in vs handicapper on recent figures; low draw.
• Negatives: Needs to sustain improved level; slightly inconsistent earlier this year.
• Chance: Danger to all if repeating peak.

Tickling (4, OR 52)

• Form: Handicap debut 4th Ballinrobe (RPR 60).
• Positives: Unexposed; scope for improvement; good tactical slot.
• Negatives: Needs to find a gear to win; no big field C&D form.
• Chance: Interesting each-way at a price.

Thegooseiscooked (7, OR 50)

• Form: Back-to-back 2nds in similar races.
• Positives: Consistent placer; Colin Keane keeps faith.
• Negatives: 19-race maiden; possibly lacks killer instinct.
• Chance: Place banker type.

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Risks / Lays

• Slaney Swagger (11) – Wide draw + low strike rate; likely to meet traffic.
• Skib Gold (8) – Career-best win from nowhere; up 9lb; vulnerable to bounce.

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Pro Punter Angles

• Main Win Bet: Chou Chou – best handicapped horse on paper, perfect draw.
• Saver: Flier – pace control and proven over C&D.
• Value Each-Way: Tickling – low draw, unexposed improver.
• Place Lay: Slaney Swagger under 5/1 – poor win profile, wide stall.

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Estimated Tissue (100% Book)

Horse	Odds
Chou Chou	4.5 (7/2)
Flier	5.0 (4/1)
Tickling	7.0 (6/1)
Thegooseiscooked	8.0 (7/1)
Slaney Swagger	8.5 (15/2)
Skib Gold	10.0 (9/1)
Venetian	16.0 (15/1)
Others	20.0+