Ground: Good to Firm | Draw Bias: Slight low-to-middle bias historically over 7f at Brighton.
Pace Projection: Likely Even pace – no habitual front-runners, but several who race prominently.
Contenders and Analysis
Strongest Contender – BEE MY HONEY (Charles Hills, Jim Crowley) – Progressive
Highly consistent filly who has finished runner-up in all three starts, including a strong 2nd on debut behind a subsequent 84-rated winner on heavy ground. Fast ground no issue judged by her latest effort at Southwell (6f, Std), where she was strong late and just found one too good when odds-on. Sectionals suggest energy-efficient running style, and she’s bred to progress beyond this grade. Looks well-placed here with 9-2 and a strong jockey booking.
Main Danger – TOWERLANDS (Tony Carroll, William Carson) – Improving
Strong-finishing second over C&D (7f, Good) earlier this month, just nailed late after showing grit to forge through a gap. Arguably unlucky not to win. That performance was a clear career best (RPR 73), and this looks a natural progression route. Drawn 1, he can get a handy early position. Still lightly raced and learning.
Interesting Outsider – LORD MONTAGUE (Jack Channon, George Bass) – Promising
Has shown steady improvement with each start. Finished a close second last time at Lingfield (AW), travelling well and keeping on late. Bred for this trip, and the yard (14-day rtf% 82) is flying. May be underestimated on form figures. Drawn 4 is ideal, and he’s shown a blend of speed and stamina that suits Brighton’s unique contours.
Exposed Type – GENNADIUS (Richard Hannon, Joe Leavy) – Exposed
Placed in 6 of 9 runs but now clearly vulnerable in these events. His last two runs saw him weaken late after travelling well. Brighton’s undulations unlikely to suit his action (has hung badly here before). May place again but looks like a weak finisher and could be a hostage to tempo.
Needs More – PURPENDICULAR (Mike Murphy) – Regressive?
Only seen once and beaten 16½ lengths at Nottingham. No encouragement in pedigree or debut to suggest improvement here.
Runner Scores and Suitability
- Bee My Honey: 9/10 – Well-suited by track, trip, and ground; likely “go day.”
- Towerlands: 8/10 – Progressive; C&D form and good draw; question of whether he’s best fresh.
- Lord Montague: 7/10 – Still learning; building form profile; could improve past more exposed types.
- Gennadius: 6/10 – Consistent but vulnerable late; Brighton form negative.
- Purpendicular: 3/10 – No signs of readiness; needs soft ground and time.
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
(5 runners – No each-way angle advised unless place terms are extended unusually.)
Private Tissue Estimate (Odds)
- Bee My Honey – 2/1
- Towerlands – 3/1
- Lord Montague – 9/2
- Gennadius – 11/2
- Purpendicular – 33/1
Market watch advised for runners making their 2nd start.
Summary and Smart Play
A maiden of fair depth for the grade. The race should be run at an even tempo, with most of the field racing handily. Tactical speed and Brighton aptitude could be decisive.
Smart Play:
- Win Selection: Bee My Honey – Looks ready to win; strong form and setup.
- Each-Way Saver: N/A – No place terms.
Solid, upwardly mobile filly in a race lacking star power. Towerlands and Lord Montague are key threats but may have found one too strong again.
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