Pace & Draw Angles:
A likely even-to-strong pace is anticipated here. Summertime Blues (drawn 10) and Southbank (drawn 5) both have low EPFs and could dispute the early lead. Stalingrad (drawn 11) and Alshimali (8) can press the pace. The middle-to-high draws look more favoured here with Windsor’s typical stands’ rail bias in sprints.
Strongest Contenders:
Summertime Blues – Proven & Progressive
Improving 3yo who made all last time to reverse Windsor form with Pure Artistry. That was his first try in cheekpieces, which stay on, and he’s 4lb well-in with re-opposing rivals. Proven over course and distance, and has top jockey Hollie Doyle aboard. He thrives under aggressive tactics and handles quick ground. Draw in 10 is fine for his run style.
Southbank – Proven
Scored comfortably at Bath on stable debut for Chris Gordon and wasn’t disgraced off 7lb higher next time. Has form on fast ground and his low EPF style suits today’s likely race shape. The return of Jim Crowley is a positive. Well suited by this track/trip.
Alshimali – Promising
Got off the mark at the 13th attempt last time at Brighton. That form reads well for this level and he has placed off higher marks before. Improving since joining Tony Carroll. Still lightly raced on turf and was never involved in a deeper Windsor contest on penultimate start. Handles good to firm and capable of further progress.
Main Dangers:
All Too Beautiful – Promising
3yo filly who is 0-7 but has shaped well in three of her last four handicaps. Stayed on well at Windsor last time behind a progressive sort. Well drawn in stall 4 and could improve again, especially under Jack Mitchell. Pedigree suggests she’ll enjoy conditions.
Symbol Of Hope – Regressive but Capable
Veteran with 8 career wins, three over this trip. Down the weights now and ran well at Bath three starts back. Drawn wide, but if they go hard he can pick up pieces late. Well-handicapped if bouncing back.
Interesting Outsiders:
Hint Of The Jungle – Unproven but Unexposed
Lightly raced sprinter with some solid AW form and a strong RPR (82) last year. Has shaped as if needing a stronger pace and better settling. Conditions should suit and he’s drawn well in 3. Could surprise if putting it all together.
Stalingrad – Regressive
Out of form and aged 8, but did show flashes of old ability earlier this season. Ran a solid third at Lingfield three starts back and has a good mark now. Drawn wide and probably needs things to fall right.
Runner Scores and Suitability:
- Summertime Blues: 8/10 – Proven over CD, suited by pace and ground, improving.
- Southbank: 7/10 – Reliable type, well drawn, handles ground, solid RPR base.
- Alshimali: 7/10 – Promising on last run, stable in form, progressive potential.
- All Too Beautiful: 6.5/10 – Still learning, on an upward curve.
- Symbol Of Hope: 6/10 – Capable at best, regressive now, needs bounce-back.
- Hint Of The Jungle: 6/10 – Still lightly raced, possible upside if settling better.
- Roman Spring: 5/10 – Not progressing, may need class drop or smaller field.
- Smasher: 5/10 – One win this year, but recent form poor.
- Mighty Real: 5/10 – 3yo with slight promise; likely still learning.
- Kodi Red: 4.5/10 – Becoming disappointing; inconsistent.
- Stalingrad: 4.5/10 – Past best; draw makes things harder.
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 (11 runners):
- All Too Beautiful appeals as a strong each-way option, improving profile and nicely drawn.
- Alshimali is another viable each-way play given his recent win and continued upside.
Private Tissue Estimate:
- Summertime Blues – 5/2
- Southbank – 4/1
- Alshimali – 11/2
- All Too Beautiful – 13/2
- Symbol Of Hope – 10/1
- Hint Of The Jungle – 12/1
- Roman Spring – 16/1
- Smasher – 18/1
- Mighty Real – 20/1
- Kodi Red – 20/1
- Stalingrad – 25/1
Market watch advised for runners making their 2nd start.
Summary:
This looks like a good opportunity for Summertime Blues to confirm recent progress, especially with the pace and draw in his favour. Southbank is consistent and competitive at this level, while Alshimali and All Too Beautiful bring each-way appeal with upside. Several have regressive profiles and look vulnerable if the pace holds up.
Smart Play:
- Win Selection: Summertime Blues – proven over CD, improving, and tactically favoured.
- Each-Way Saver: All Too Beautiful – promising 3yo with a progressive profile and good draw.
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