7.30 Paddy Power Handicap (Div I), Class 6, 7f (AW) at Chelmsford

·

Race Title and Conditions + Pace Angles + Draw Angles:

7.30 Paddy Power Handicap (Div I)
Class 6, £7,000 | 7f (All-Weather, Standard-Slow) | For 3yo+ rated 46–55
Likely Pace: Even to steady – A few pressers (Aspire To Glory, My Mate Beattie, Dance Recital) could vie early, but no guaranteed frontrunner, risking a modest early gallop.
Draw Angles: Draw 1–4 generally favourable over 7f at Chelmsford if pace develops wide or mid. No bias if race run evenly.


Strongest Contenders + Main Dangers + Interesting Outsiders + Trends/Timeform Comments:

  • Aspire To GloryProven. Two AW wins earlier this year (Wolv & Chmf). Strong RPRs (66), and while he’s been a touch regressive since peaking, he remains consistent and competitive at this level. 3lb higher than his last win, but course form is key. Track and trip ideal; fitness proven. Noted for tongue issues, but racing regularly. Main danger.
  • Arlecchino’s RexPromising. C&D winner (Wolv) off 52; most consistent of these and form has held up when not asked to make the pace. From draw 1 with Watson booked, looks likely to be ridden with purpose. Has shaped like a well-handicapped horse in a few recent efforts.
  • Brother DaveProven. 2024 dual AW winner and just 1½L third at Newcastle last time when back on Tapeta. Has a strong finishing kick but is draw/pace dependent. Hold-up runner with a luck-in-running risk.
  • My Mate BeattiePromising. Lightly raced 3yo with a 78 RPR in December. Flattered by some efforts, but big drop in class here. Will need to bounce back, but has hinted at ability and is from a trainer whose runners are going well. Vulnerable to more battle-hardened types but not dismissed.
  • EncircleUnproven. Pulled up latest, well beaten prior, but has one strong RPR (75) on debut. Stable struggling for form, but any positive market move would be intriguing.
  • Dance RecitalUnproven. Couple of sharp RPRs on debut; handicaps haven’t worked so far, and latest was tame. Only interest is in return to front-foot tactics from wide draw.
  • Interesting Outsider: Beauen ArrowsExposed. Long-standing maiden, but hit 71 RPR earlier this year and is now rated 47. His better efforts have come with prominent tactics; if bounced out from draw 2 and race sets up steadily, he might hang on for a place.

Runner Scores and Suitability Analysis:

  • Aspire To Glory: 8/10 – Very well suited to surface, trip, and draw is fair. Respected on recent form.
  • Arlecchino’s Rex: 7.5/10 – Ideal draw, competitive on form, remains on a workable mark.
  • Brother Dave: 7/10 – Dangerous late closer. Surface ideal; luck-in-running type.
  • My Mate Beattie: 6.5/10 – Drops in grade; bred for this trip. Watch for support.
  • Dance Recital: 5/10 – Yet to build on encouraging early efforts. Must settle better.
  • Encircle: 4.5/10 – Has hinted at ability; needs bounce back. Watch the market.
  • Hot Frank: 4/10 – Lacking consistency; minor improvement last time but still held.
  • Beauen Arrows: 4/10 – Very modest profile but mark now appealing if grabbing a lead.
  • Alyara: 3.5/10 – Long-time low-grade battler who’s clearly out of sorts lately.

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 (Conditional):

With 9 runners declared, each-way terms are applicable.

  • Arlecchino’s Rex – Attractive draw and consistent recent form; each-way potential.
  • Brother Dave – Will need luck, but if pace collapses, could sweep through late again.

Private Tissue Estimate:

  • Aspire To Glory – 3/1
  • Arlecchino’s Rex – 4/1
  • Brother Dave – 6/1
  • My Mate Beattie – 7/1
  • Beauen Arrows – 10/1
  • Dance Recital – 12/1
  • Hot Frank – 14/1
  • Encircle – 16/1
  • Alyara – 25/1

Market watch advised for runners making their 2nd start.


Summary + Professional Punter View (Smart Play):

This is a modest division of the 0–55 handicap class, but one with a few course specialists and a couple of lightly raced 3yos. With no standout pace influence, positioning will be key. Aspire To Glory has proven himself over C&D and is tactically versatile, while Arlecchino’s Rex looks poised to run a big race from a handy draw. Brother Dave remains well-treated on AW and would benefit from a collapse up front.


Smart Play:

  • Win Selection: Aspire To Glory – Clear form pick with ideal conditions.
  • Each-Way Saver: Arlecchino’s Rex – Well-drawn improver with upside on this surface.

Leave a comment

Get updates

From art exploration to the latest archeological findings, all here in our weekly newsletter.

Subscribe