Pace & Draw Angles:
The likely pace scenario is even to steady, with limited habitual front-runners. Ninth Life and Forest Caper are the likeliest to press forward, though not guaranteed leaders. Stalls 1–3 (Project Geofin, Giselles Defence, Pol Roger) are potentially favoured with no strong bias against wider draws at this trip.

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Strongest Contenders + Main Dangers + Interesting Outsiders

1. Absolute Star – Progressive – Strongest Contender
Lightly raced filly from the Roger Varian yard who made a winning turf debut last time at Doncaster. Showed a strong finish and should relish this extra distance. Her RPR of 86 is the joint-highest in the field, and she’s unexposed against mostly exposed rivals. Likely more to come.

2. Project Geofin – Promising – Main Danger
Returned to form latest with a smooth win at Pontefract (RPR 83). His past record suggests inconsistency, but quotes from the trainer imply he’s crying out for this trip. He’s drawn well in 1 and retains PJ McDonald, a positive sign.

3. Ninth Life – Proven – Contender with a tactical edge
Reliable, if exposed, performer at this level. His Lingfield effort (RPR 84) showed strong early pace but he failed to see it out. The return to 1m2f on turf suits. Racing off top weight but is still a serious player if settling better.

4. Pol Roger – Resurgent Profile – Interesting Outsider
Posted his best run in a while at Ayr last time (RPR 85) and now drops slightly in class. Remains feasibly treated and has been competitive in stronger races. Will benefit from a fair gallop and decent ground.

5. Forest Caper – Promising – Interesting Angle
Still learning the game and wasn’t beaten far at Ayr and Redcar in decent company. Likely to appreciate 1m2f on pedigree (Lope De Vega out of Forest Crown). Kevin Stott retains the ride; likely improver.

6. Giselles Defence – Proven – Consistent Threat
Solid series of runs including a narrow win at Epsom. Did well latest in a stronger field and enjoys 10f. Can be tricky, but has Silvestre De Sousa booked and may get a handy sit from stall 2.

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Runner Scores and Suitability

• Absolute Star: 9/10 – Well suited to conditions, progressive profile.
• Project Geofin: 8/10 – Handles trip/ground; draw ideal; slightly inconsistent.
• Ninth Life: 8/10 – Consistent, well-handicapped, but quirky.
• Pol Roger: 7/10 – Return to form, ground suits, needs things to drop right.
• Forest Caper: 7/10 – Unexposed at trip, bred to progress.
• Giselles Defence: 7/10 – On a competitive mark, reliable.
• Shimmering Sands: 6/10 – Form has dipped but weighted to bounce back.
• Whiskey Pete: 5/10 – Thrown in on old form, but recent efforts poor.
• Ajdayet: 4/10 – Poor recent form, risky proposition despite previous win.

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; they can be hot.

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Each-Way Angles (8+ Runners)

Pol Roger and Forest Caper rate as potential each-way plays given class drops and unexposed profiles respectively, in a race lacking a standout front-runner.

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Private Tissue Estimate:

• Absolute Star – 3/1
• Project Geofin – 5/1
• Ninth Life – 6/1
• Pol Roger – 13/2
• Forest Caper – 7/1
• Giselles Defence – 8/1
• Shimmering Sands – 12/1
• Whiskey Pete – 20/1
• Ajdayet – 25/1

Market watch advised for runners making their 2nd start.

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Summary + Professional Punter View

This is a competitive 0-75 with a blend of exposed and progressive types. The standout is Absolute Star, who remains open to further progress and shaped like this trip is well within range. Project Geofin is the main threat if backing up his latest. Pol Roger and Forest Caper have class and tactical angles in their favour and represent fair each-way value.

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Smart Play

• Win Selection: Absolute Star – lightly raced, strong closing effort, proven over C&D.
• Each-Way Saver: Pol Roger – well treated and back in form on preferred ground.