Race Title & Conditions + Pace & Draw Angles
- Race: 7.46 Bath – Weatherbys Stallion Book Handicap
- Conditions: Class 6, 5f160y, firm ground, 4yo+, rated 46–60
- Pace Scenario: Strong pace expected. Likely leaders include Secret Handsheikh and Banana, both prominent racers with early pace. Vaunted and Little Miss Magic likely to track.
- Draw Bias: Minimal over this trip at Bath on firm ground; pace and positioning more decisive.
Strongest Contenders, Main Dangers, Interesting Outsiders & Comments
Strongest Contenders:
- Banana (Scott Dixon / Joey Haynes)
Proven and reliable Class 6 sprint handicapper. 3 wins in 2025, including at Chepstow and Bath, and highly consistent in recent starts – placed 6 times from last 10. Handles firm ground well. Can race prominently or take a lead; very well suited to the setup.
Form trend: Improving/holding.
Timeform Note: “Proved more game than might be expected; strong effort.”
Status: Leading contender, solid win chance. - Vaunted (Adrian Wintle / Rob Hornby)
Proven, albeit inconsistent. Former course winner and caught the eye when third at Bath in May. Fifth here last time, but shaping better. Firm ground is no issue. Hasn’t quite fired fully in 2025 but dropped to winnable mark.
Form trend: Gradually improving; worth monitoring.
Status: Solid each-way value if breaking on terms.
Main Dangers:
- Secret Handsheikh (John Gallagher / Trevor Whelan)
Proven but regressive. Once rated higher and a multiple C&D winner, but recent form poor. Flashed potential at Brighton in early August but folded quickly latest. Might bounce back at this track, but firm ground a negative.
Form trend: Regressive; mixed signals.
Status: Danger if reverting to old form, but hard to trust. - Little Miss Magic (Patrick Chamings / Isobelle Chalmers)
Promising-type, still lightly raced for a 4yo with only 17 starts. Went close in Class 6 company in June/July but folded at Windsor last time. Likely suited by firm and drop back to this trip.
Form trend: Patchy but workable mark.
Status: Place claims if settling better.
Interesting Outsiders:
- Sisters In The Sky (Grace Harris / Georgia Dobie)
Proven, C&D winner in June and often kept on late. Beaten by Moe’s Legacy three times but better than bare form suggests. Might benefit from pace collapse.
Form trend: Slightly on the downgrade but course record solid.
Status: Each-way angle if race collapses up front.
Runner Scores & Suitability Analysis
| Horse | Score | Suitability Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Banana | 8/10 | Suits pace, ground, and trip perfectly. Consistent, well drawn. |
| Vaunted | 7/10 | Back to a workable mark, may prefer slightly softer ground. |
| Secret Handsheikh | 6/10 | Needs revival; this is his kind of race if firing. |
| Little Miss Magic | 6/10 | Still some upside; has speed but lacks finish. |
| Sisters In The Sky | 5/10 | C&D scorer, reliant on race shape. Could nick a place. |
Advice:
“Keep an eye on the market for support or big drifts for runners returning from layoffs of 90+ days.”
“Watch out for sprinters returning to favoured courses — Bath form often repeats.”
Each-Way Angles (5 runners – no e/w market unless 3 places offered)
Due to field size, conventional each-way betting is limited. Sisters In The Sky would be the value play if bookmakers offer 3 places.
Private Tissue Estimate
- Banana – 15/8
- Vaunted – 3/1
- Secret Handsheikh – 4/1
- Little Miss Magic – 9/2
- Sisters In The Sky – 7/1
Summary + Smart Play
This Class 6 sprint is dominated by seasoned performers. Banana is the most consistent and best suited to the race scenario with form holding solid. Vaunted has more to come if recapturing her Bath form. Secret Handsheikh remains a potential threat but isn’t reliable. Watch the market.
Smart Play:
- Win Bet: Banana – Profiles best for pace, form, and ground.
- If 3 places paid: Each-Way Saver – Sisters In The Sky – course form, late closer.
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