Ground: Good to Firm | Pace Projection: Even to Steady – No habitual front-runner in the field.
Draw Bias: Minor low draw advantage over this trip, especially on quick ground.
Contenders and Analysis
Strongest Contender – IREZUMI (Jim Boyle, Luke Catton) – Proven
A Brighton specialist (placed 6/10 here) who finally got his head in front over C&D two starts ago, then backed that up with a strong second at Lingfield. Regularly gives running, well-handicapped, and Luke Catton (3lb) offsets weight. Positive course profile, handles fast ground, and drawn to settle midfield. Blinkers and hood combo working well now.
Main Danger – STINTINO SUNSET (Julia & Shelley Birkett, Dylan Hogan) – Consistent
Excellent place record, including a narrow second over C&D last season off a higher mark. Form figures read 362334 on turf in 2025 – always thereabouts. Typically travels smoothly and finds late. May just lack a killer finish but her consistency gives her a strong frame chance again. Drawn low and back in form.
Next Best – ANGEL ON HIGH (Adrian Wintle, Joe Leavy) – Competitive
Won narrowly at Leicester last time (10f, G/F), and is a previous Brighton placer with an honest profile. Slight stamina doubt up to 1m4f again, but shaping like it’s within reach now aged 8. Profile suggests he finds one or two too good unless conditions are exact, but remains competitive.
Interesting – FOINIX (Jim & Suzi Best) – Late Charger
Has finished second on last two starts and is shaping like a winner in waiting. Responded well to blinkers and being ridden quietly. Brighton form solid, handles firm ground, and being 1lb above last win mark is workable. Just needs pace to hold up. Hold-up risk if tempo is slow.
Wildcard – EDVARD GRIEG (Dylan Cunha, Jim Crowley) – Unreliable
Won at Beverley two starts back in clear-cut style but regressed sharply since. Stamina not conclusively proven at this trip; profile inconsistent. Booking of Jim Crowley notable, but fair share of trust required.
Runner Scores and Suitability
- Irezumi – 8/10 – Acts well at Brighton and in current form. Strong course profile.
- Stintino Sunset – 7.5/10 – Reliable, well-handicapped, consistent. Slight finishing concern.
- Angel On High – 7/10 – Honest, but finds winning tough. Up in trip again.
- Foinix – 6.5/10 – Needs pace to collapse; profile is peaking. Hold-up risk.
- Edvard Grieg – 5.5/10 – Unreliable. Could surprise, but risky.
Keep an eye on the market for support or big drifts for runners returning from layoffs of 90+ days.
Watch out for in-form stayers returning quickly; they can be hot.
Each-Way Angles
8 runners declared – each-way angles valid.
- Irezumi – reliable placer at the track.
- Stintino Sunset – always close up, deserves respect in frame betting.
Private Tissue Estimate (Odds)
- Irezumi – 11/4
- Stintino Sunset – 7/2
- Angel On High – 4/1
- Foinix – 6/1
- Edvard Grieg – 13/2
- Others – 12/1+
Market watch advised for runners making their 2nd start.
Summary and Smart Play
This low-grade Brighton handicap has a familiar cast of exposed but reliable stayers, with no pace-forcing types. An even-to-steady gallop is expected, and the race may suit those with tactical speed or proven course resilience.
Smart Play:
- Win Selection: Irezumi – Comes alive at Brighton, in form, well-treated.
- Each-Way Saver: Stintino Sunset – Dependable type with C&D form; fits the profile.
Both runners are proven at the track and offer solid returns in these conditions.
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