Pace & Draw

Large 20-runner field. Newmarket July 6f straight can favour middle-to-far side draws when the ground is fast. Strong pace likely: Sands Of Spain, Kesta, Sioux Perfect all tend to go forward. Expect a genuine test with closers needing a clear run.

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Leading Contenders

Sands Of Spain (Andrew Balding, Draw 20) – Proven & Progressive

• Already a dual Class 2 winner, RPR 102 peak.
• Excellent effort in the Super Sprint (3rd of 19), proving speed and toughness.
• Group 3 run at Goodwood excusable (raced away from main group).
• Handles quick ground and pedigree suggests 6f ideal.
• Big chance if track bias suits far side.

Sapphire Steps (Richard Hannon, Draw 17) – Promising Filly

• Won impressively on debut (RPR 101), then not disgraced in Listed & Group 3 company.
• Pedigree (Dark Angel) screams sprinting class.
• Drawn high, should be in the thick of the action.
• Looks a filly still open to significant progress.

Piscean Star (Ed Dunlop, Draw 15) – Interesting Improver

• Made a strong debut win at Kempton, showing professionalism (RPR 97).
• Related to 100+ rated winners.
• First run on turf but pedigree fine for fast ground.
• Could easily step up here if handling the switch.

Anaisa (Tim Easterby, Draw 1) – Progressive Each-Way Player

• Thirsk maiden winner, then ran with credit in higher class (RPR 98).
• Well-handicapped filly still on the upgrade.
• Low draw a concern if pace develops far side.
• Trainer in form, market support would be notable.

Logi Bear (Richard Hannon, Draw 5) – Hard Race Record

• Won maiden at Newmarket, but has had six starts already.
• Best RPR 94, consistent but exposed.
• Stays 6f, handles most ground, but needs improvement to win this.

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Secondary Dangers / Outsiders of Note

• Erbil (Alice Haynes, Draw 13) – Strong Doncaster debut (RPR 93), should improve, unexposed.
• Hungarian (Draw 18) – Southwell debut 2nd, pedigree packed with sprinters, could step forward.
• Perfect Location (Tom Ward, Draw 6) – Southwell winner, eye-catching Salisbury debut. Value at a price.
• Justcallmesergio (Clive Cox, Draw 8) – Bath maiden winner, yard does well with improving juveniles. Could outrun odds.

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Runner Ratings (Suitability Score /10)

• Sands Of Spain – 9/10 – Strong form, proven at this level.
• Sapphire Steps – 8.5/10 – Filly open to progress, strong draw.
• Piscean Star – 8/10 – Interesting debut winner, must confirm on turf.
• Anaisa – 7.5/10 – Consistent, still improving, draw worry.
• Erbil – 7/10 – Scopey colt, likely improver.
• Logi Bear – 6.5/10 – Honest, exposed, place more likely.
• Hungarian – 6/10 – Pedigree angle, could surprise.
• Perfect Location – 6/10 – Small yard, lightly raced, dark horse.
• Justcallmesergio – 6/10 – Needs to prove at this level.
• Court Alert / Calling A Star / Madame X / Sioux Perfect – 5/10 – Limited so far, place at best.
• Rest – 4/10 or less – Look outclassed on ratings.

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Private Tissue (my odds line)

• Sands Of Spain 7/2
• Sapphire Steps 5/1
• Piscean Star 13/2
• Anaisa 8/1
• Erbil 10/1
• Logi Bear 12/1
• Hungarian 16/1
• Perfect Location 20/1
• Justcallmesergio 20/1
• Others 25/1+

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Summary & Smart Play

Strong sales race with pace likely to be key. Sands Of Spain sets the standard with Group and big-field experience. Sapphire Steps looks the filly most likely to progress into Pattern class, while Piscean Star is the intriguing improver switching from AW. Anaisa is the each-way value if low numbers are competitive.

Smart Play:

• Win Bet: Sands Of Spain (class edge, drawn to attack).
• Each-Way Saver: Anaisa (still improving, well-handicapped filly).