Race Shape / Pace Angles
This is traditionally run at a strong pace with several unexposed stayers in play. The Johnston pair (Pole Star, Novelista) are forward-goers and likely to ensure a proper test, while Fantasy World and Talismans Time also race prominently. Boatswain, Daiquiri Bay, and Many Men tend to be held up, so they’ll be looking for a searching gallop to bring stamina into play.

Draw Angles
York’s extended 1m6f trip generally gives a fair chance from all stalls, though being mid-to-low helps avoid covering too much ground on the first bend. Stalls 1–7 have historically had a marginal edge. Novelista (1), Fantasy World (2), and Talismans Time (3) are well berthed; the likes of Pole Star (11) and Tarriance (12) will need to slot in.

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Strongest Contenders

• Many Men (106 RPR, OR 88, Oisin Murphy) – progressive profile, already a 3-time winner, and shaped like a stayer at Ascot over 2m. Pedigree (dam won at 1m6f+) suggests this trip is ideal. Forgive Haydock blip on tacky ground. A major player with stamina assured. Proven.
• Pole Star (105 RPR, OR 90, Connor Beasley) – two solid staying efforts at 1m6f+, tough and progressive, Johnston camp has targeted this. Handles varying ground, good draw less of an issue as he stays well. Progressive.
• Novelista (103 RPR, OR 83, Joe Fanning) – another Johnston improver, twice unlucky not to win, and clearly targeted at this race. Still unexposed and drawn in stall 1 to get a ground-saving trip. Promising.
• Boatswain (104 RPR, OR 93, Buick) – ran with credit at Ascot in the King George V (strong form) and again at Sandown. Shapes like a grinder who will stay. Buick a notable booking. Promising.

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Main Dangers

• Tarriance (104 RPR, OR 93, Colin Keane) – tough and improving, but wide draw (12) a concern at this trip if forced to do extra early. May need luck slotting in.
• Daiquiri Bay (100 RPR, OR 93, Rossa Ryan) – consistent, but may lack the finishing kick compared to the classier stayers here. Pedigree suggests further is within reach, though York’s long straight might test his turn of foot.
• Golden Handshake (103 RPR, OR 88, Tom Marquand) – Haggas runner for The King & Queen, improving steadily, but needs a big step up in class to figure. Interesting.

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Interesting Outsiders

• Sea Of Kings (102 RPR, OR 83, James Doyle) – brother to Sea Of Class, lightly raced, has shaped well in handicaps. Still raw but big potential. Could be the surprise package.
• Talismans Time (102 RPR, OR 85, Rodriguez) – strong staying pedigree and improving, but yet to prove himself in a big-field heritage handicap.
• Cape Breton (104 RPR, OR 89, Beckett/Kingscote) – expensive Frankel colt, improving, but this test might find him out unless he’s got a bit more stamina than shown.

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Runner Scores (suitability out of 10)

• Many Men – 9/10 (ideal trip, strong stayer, improving)
• Pole Star – 8.5/10 (progressive, tough, set for big run)
• Boatswain – 8/10 (solid form, Buick up, will stay)
• Novelista – 8/10 (unlucky loser, draw in 1, major player)
• Tarriance – 7.5/10 (game, but draw a negative)
• Daiquiri Bay – 7/10 (consistent, but may lack kick)
• Golden Handshake – 7/10 (progressing, but needs more)
• Sea Of Kings – 7/10 (potential improver, intriguing profile)
• Talismans Time – 6.5/10 (unexposed, but needs to prove class)
• Cape Breton – 6/10 (expensive, but not fully convincing yet)
• Fantasy World – 6/10 (honest, but perhaps one-paced at this level)
• Love Talk – 5/10 (Group form misleading, stamina doubts)

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Private Tissue (my odds)

• Many Men 4/1
• Pole Star 5/1
• Boatswain 6/1
• Novelista 7/1
• Tarriance 9/1
• Sea Of Kings 10/1
• Golden Handshake 12/1
• Daiquiri Bay 12/1
• Talismans Time 16/1
• Cape Breton 20/1
• Fantasy World 25/1
• Love Talk 33/1

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Summary

A proper Melrose, stacked with progressive 3yo stayers. Many Men has the ideal stamina-rich profile and comes here on the upgrade, while Pole Star and Novelista give Johnston a very strong hand. Boatswain looks rock-solid with Buick up, while Sea Of Kings could easily be the late improver lurking on handicap debut.

Smart Play:

• Win bet: Many Men – progressive stayer with proven form and strong York appeal.
• Each-way saver: Novelista – still a maiden but has been knocking on the door, and stall 1 is a big plus in this setup.