8.00 Chelmsford – Paddy Power Handicap (Div II) (Class 6)
7f (AW) | 3yo+ | 46-55 Rated | Standard Surface
Pace & Draw Angles
The likely pace is even, with no clear out-and-out front-runner, but Adace (8) and Fallen Soldier (7) could press early.
The draw at Chelmsford over 7f tends to favour low to middle numbers unless there’s a pace bias – Polar Rebel (1) and Shades of May (2) are best berthed.
Strongest Contenders
Adace (8) – Proven
Multiple wins in this grade, including over C&D. Her form earlier this year on the AW was strong, with RPRs of 69–71. Has excuses last time (short of room), and with Kieran O’Neill back on, she’s one of few with genuine proven ability at this trip/class/course.
Vitalline (4) – Proven
Won a weak Lingfield contest two starts back and showed consistency around that level. His 2025 AW form is sound (64, 60, 60 RPRs) and Josephine Gordon gets a tune out of him. Should be thereabouts if repeating recent efforts.
Invincible Love (9) – Promising
Lightly raced, form has steadily improved and is now rated to strike. Ran a solid race in January (RPR 62), has a decent draw if avoiding being trapped wide. Unexposed, trained by the bang-in-form Johnston yard (9 winners in last 14 days), and carries upside.
Main Dangers
Polar Rebel (1) – Promising
Only six runs, lightly raced and open to improvement in handicaps. Shaped well at Windsor and may appreciate returning to the AW. Drawn perfectly in 1 to hug the rail and potentially sit handy. Still learning but trainer does well with this type.
Rokuni (6) – Inconsistent but Capable
Flashed potential earlier this season. Has dropped in weights and travelled okay in a few races without seeing them out. Back at 7f looks a plus. One to include on raw ability if connections can coax a return to best.
Interesting Outsiders
Fallen Soldier (7) – Inconsistent Sprinter Stretching Out
Has speed but 7f a question. First try at the trip today, and trainer in form. Jockey booking (James Sullivan) may signal a more patient ride. Could sneak into a place if settling and conserving energy.
Rajlakshmi (5) – Eyecatcher Earlier in Season
Form has tailed off since her Southwell eyecatcher but is unexposed, especially at this trip. Marco Ghiani booked and may race prominently. Value at a big price.
Runner Scores and Suitability Analysis
- Adace: 8/10 – Proven on surface and in grade. Well-handicapped if bouncing back.
- Vitalline: 7/10 – Runs well here and recent AW form is strong.
- Invincible Love: 7/10 – Lightly raced; progressing. Trainer in form.
- Polar Rebel: 6/10 – Unexposed, nicely drawn, needs to settle.
- Rokuni: 6/10 – Has the tools but lacks consistency.
- Fallen Soldier: 5/10 – Stamina query, but sharp 7f could suit.
- Rajlakshmi: 5/10 – Risky but not exposed; improvement possible.
- Shades of May: 4/10 – Hard to win with, but often runs on late.
- South Kensington: 3/10 – Non-finisher; needs big turnaround.
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)
- Polar Rebel – Drawn 1, lightly raced, profile for improvement.
- Rajlakshmi – Could out-run her mark if recapturing Southwell form.
- Invincible Love – Trainer/jockey combo encouraging.
Private Tissue Estimate (100% Book)
- Adace – 4/1
- Invincible Love – 5/1
- Vitalline – 11/2
- Polar Rebel – 6/1
- Rokuni – 7/1
- Rajlakshmi – 8/1
- Fallen Soldier – 10/1
- Shades of May – 12/1
- South Kensington – 20/1
Market watch advised for runners making their 2nd start.
Summary + Smart Play
This low-level handicap has a few exposed runners and several with upside. Adace has a strong AW record and was unlucky last time, while Invincible Love remains on a workable mark and comes from a top yard. Polar Rebel appeals from stall 1 as an improver.
Smart Play
- Win Bet: Adace – best profile, well drawn, unlucky latest.
- Each-Way Saver: Polar Rebel – unexposed, well drawn, likely improver.
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