Race Conditions: Heritage Handicap for 3yo+, Class 2, 1m3f188y. Ground: Good to Firm (expected).
Pace Angle: Likely strong pace – front-running types like Asgard’s Captain, Insanity and French Duke expected to go forward.
Draw Angle: Low to middle draws have fared best over this C&D in large fields with pace. Draw 2–6 ideal; wide drawn runners will need luck and early cover.

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Strongest Contenders, Main Dangers & Interesting Outsiders

Strongest Contenders

Mount Atlas – Proven/Progressive
Has looked well ahead of his mark since breaking through last autumn. Strong-staying profile and solid at this track with a course win. Unexposed at 1m6f but handles 1m4f well; gave 12lb to a good winner at Ascot latest and saw it out well. Drawn 2, pace in favour, and Murphy back on. Solid form in top 1m4f handicaps.
Timeform Notebook & Quotes: Described as still learning, lazy at home but very genuine in a race.

French Duke – Promising
Improving with racing and hood fitting has unlocked more. King George V run (Ascot) now looks strong, and even effort behind The Reverend suggests ability still unexposed. Can upgrade latest Goodwood run; slowly away and never landed a blow in a messy race. Drawn 9 slightly wider than ideal, but tactically versatile. Strong closing fractions at Ascot mark him up.

Naqeeb – Proven
Consistent this season, peaking with a strong second at Goodwood. Often travels strongly, but doesn’t always find a change of gear. Trip ideal but may need the race to collapse in front of him. Drawn 4 – ideal. Risk of being a “nearly horse” but holds form with Mount Atlas.

Main Dangers

Insanity – Progressive
Has turned a corner this summer – Royal Ascot run reads well, backed it up with close third to Night Breeze at Ascot, with Mount Atlas winning that race. Best with a true pace (will get it). Tough sort who finds plenty off the bridle. Well-handicapped and drawn to attack. Proven over C&D.

This Songisforyou – Interesting Outsider
Irish raider with a tricky profile. Impressive Galway win last year (strong finish), and not far behind in Group 3 company this summer. Clearly better with patient tactics and stronger pace. Tom Marquand a notable booking. Can hit frame if pace collapses – “Hold-up risk” type.

Interesting Outsiders

Chillingham – Proven stayer
Drawn 1 (potentially boxed in), but C&D winner who thrives in big handicaps. Often finishes well off strong gallops. Needs things to fall right but figures well. York suits.

Zanndabad – Potential dark horse
Buick booked for Tony Martin’s enigmatic dual-code runner. Strong Chester Cup and Ascot Stakes form. Back to shorter trip here but definite stamina and late-run credentials. Wide draw (7) not ideal but will be dropped out anyway.

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Runner Scores & Suitability (Out of 10)

• Mount Atlas: 9/10 – Ideal setup, strong pace, low draw, proven York form.
• French Duke: 8.5/10 – On the upgrade, just needs luck from draw 9.
• Naqeeb: 8/10 – Honest, consistent, strong traveller, but doesn’t always deliver late.
• Insanity: 8.5/10 – In-form, strong closer, drawn well, proven off strong gallop.
• This Songisforyou: 7.5/10 – Hit or miss, can run big with luck; hold-up risk.
• Chillingham: 7.5/10 – Needs gaps to open from stall 1 but good track form.
• Zanndabad: 7/10 – Danger if things fall right; unexposed this trip/class combo.
• Champagne Prince: 6.5/10 – More AW focused, turf wins minor; stamina query.
• Marhaba The Champ: 6/10 – York specialist, but has regressed; not dismissed.
• Asgard’s Captain: 6/10 – Often flashes ability but vulnerable in this grade.
• Austrian Theory: 5.5/10 – Fading late in better handicaps; outclassed likely.

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.

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Each-Way Angles (12 declared)

• This Songisforyou (draw 6, strong finisher, 9st6) – strong pace setup ideal.
• Chillingham (draw 1, staying-on type) – needs gaps, but 4-time winner.

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Private Tissue Estimate

• Mount Atlas – 4/1
• French Duke – 6/1
• Insanity – 13/2
• Naqeeb – 7/1
• This Songisforyou – 10/1
• Chillingham – 12/1
• Zanndabad – 14/1
• Champagne Prince – 16/1
• Marhaba The Champ – 18/1
• Asgard’s Captain – 20/1
• Austrian Theory – 33/1

Market watch advised for runners making their 2nd start.

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Summary + Smart Play

This is a high-quality heritage handicap that should be run at a strong gallop. That sets it up perfectly for strong stayers with tactical speed and a finishing kick.

Mount Atlas has the most convincing profile: he’s progressive, has course form, strong stamina credentials and a good draw. Insanity is peaking now and well suited to this setup. French Duke remains unexposed and could easily be better than a handicapper.

Smart Play

• Win Selection: Mount Atlas – Proven and progressive, strong form, great setup.
• Each-Way Saver: This Songisforyou – Irish improver with pace bias in favour.