4.27 – National Racehorse Week 23rd – 31st August Handicap Hurdle (Class 5) | 2m 70y | Good to Firm

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Pace Angles + Draw Angles

This small-field Class 5 handicap hurdle on a tight, right-handed track promises an even to steady gallop. Potential pace can come from Ez Tiger, who has made all before, and Ocean Heights, though the latter’s tendency to fade late means a contested lead is unlikely. Northern Rose and Diesel Line may also be handy but won’t force the issue. No draw bias in play over hurdles at Stratford.


Strongest Contenders

Turpin Gold – Proven
Tom Lacey’s 9-y-o returned from a break in July when trying to land a hat-trick. He remains just 3lb above his last winning mark and is a dual scorer this summer, including a stylish win over this trip. Stratford’s sharp nature suits his run style. Proven on ground and distance, and excuses last time in a messy, two-hurdle contest. Profile still reads like this could be “go day.”

Diesel Line – Progressive
A strong candidate after an impressive strike here in July. Backed as if defeat was out of the question and delivered off a mark of 84. Remains on a competitive figure (90), with recent RPRs of 104/100/92 confirming improvement since joining the Pogsons. Well-suited by track and trip, and connections likely view this as a winning opportunity again.

Ez Tiger – Progressive
Winner twice already in 2024 and still lightly raced for the grade. Scored in tidy fashion at Worcester and remains off 97 – within range based on recent efforts. Can force the pace or sit handy, and Bryan Carver is 3-8 with this type at Stratford over the last five years. Proven over conditions, and still looks to be improving.


Main Dangers

Ocean Heights – Risky profile
Now hurdling after a flat campaign. Mixed results lately but showed he retains ability. If fully tuned for this return to timber, he’s a wildcard. Track should suit, but finishing effort is often weak. Watch market. Unproven but not dismissed.

Isabel De Clare – Unexposed
Just her second handicap start and drops back to 2m, which might suit her better. Still, she was tailed off last time and has it to prove off 90. Trainer/jockey combo reliable in these low-grade races but more needed.

Jet Patrol – Promising
Has shown glimmers of potential since joining James Owen. Sean Bowen is a significant booking. Posted RPRs around the 100 mark earlier this season and goes well fresh. At his best on good ground and potentially well handicapped now off 82.


Interesting Outsiders

Basilette – Improving slightly
Ran well here in June (2nd of 12) and has looked better this summer. 101 RPR shows she can compete if the race unfolds favourably. Track suitability a plus.

Postponed Legacy – Lightly raced 4-y-o
Has shaped better than bare form and carries just 10st2. Still learning, but pace efficiency poor in past runs. Only of interest if market speaks.


Runner Scores and Suitability

  • Turpin Gold: 8/10 – Well suited to trip/ground, track profile fits. Go-day candidate.
  • Diesel Line: 9/10 – Very strong form, adaptable tactically, progressive.
  • Ez Tiger: 8/10 – Still well-handicapped, consistent in similar conditions.
  • Ocean Heights: 6/10 – Switches from flat, well-handicapped on peak flat form but stamina unproven.
  • Jet Patrol: 6/10 – Fragile but back on favourable terms with strong jockey booking.
  • Basilette: 6/10 – Needs everything to go right but not without hope.
  • Isabel De Clare: 4/10 – Unproven and no obvious upside yet shown.
  • Postponed Legacy: 5/10 – Lightly raced, room to improve, but inefficient so far.
  • Northern Rose: 4/10 – 22-race maiden, lacks finishing effort.
  • Granny B: 5/10 – Dropping in weights and shaping better; not ruled out.
  • New Man: 2/10 – Very little shown in three starts.

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.


Each-Way Angles

With 11 declared, there is each-way value.

  • Jet Patrol at a double-figure price could sneak into the frame if able to settle better.
  • Basilette appeals as one who may place again if conditions replicate June’s race.

Private Tissue Estimate

  • Diesel Line – 7/2
  • Turpin Gold – 9/2
  • Ez Tiger – 11/2
  • Ocean Heights – 13/2
  • Jet Patrol – 10/1
  • Basilette – 12/1
  • Isabel De Clare – 16/1
  • Postponed Legacy – 18/1
  • Granny B – 25/1
  • Northern Rose – 25/1
  • New Man – 40/1

Market watch advised for runners making their 2nd start.


Summary + Smart Play

This looks like a solid low-grade contest with a few upwardly mobile types. Diesel Line appears to be still ahead of the handicapper and fits this race tactically. Turpin Gold is respected on proven course form and has a “go day” look again. Ez Tiger is consistent and has early pace which is valuable here.


Smart Play:

  • Win bet: Diesel Line – progressive and tactically versatile, ideal setup.
  • Each-way saver: Jet Patrol – strong jockey booking and hint of ability; could surprise at a price.

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