Pace & Draw:
Not a race stacked with obvious front-runners – could develop into a steadily run affair. Blunder (drawn 6) and Ottoman (1) have gone forward before, but neither guaranteed to press on. If it steadies, mid-division sitters with a turn of foot may be favoured. Low-to-middle draws usually fine over 10f at Redcar, especially in small fields.
Strongest Contenders
Princess Niyla (Alan Brown) – Proven
- Consistent mare, dual Beverley scorer this year, including at today’s trip.
- Best runs come on sharp, flat tracks (Beverley, Thirsk), so Redcar looks fine.
- Last run (Thirsk, C5, 12f) she didn’t quite get home – drop back to 10f ideal.
- Slight suspicion she is better at Beverley, but mark is workable.
Score: 7/10
Paris Lights (Paul Midgley) – Exposed but Effective
- Long-standing maiden on turf (0-18) but reliable placer, including multiple C&D efforts.
- Eyecatcher at Newcastle and Pontefract earlier this year, stays 10f.
- On a winnable mark if things fall right, but not one to fully trust.
Score: 6.5/10
Jewel Maker (Tim Easterby) – Course Specialist
- Ten-year-old but retains ability, four-time winner at Redcar.
- Latest runs show he’s holding form around this mark.
- Better on stiff tracks and usually needs pace to collapse, but Redcar C&D record demands respect.
Score: 7/10
Mystical Maria (Richard Fahey) – Unexposed at Trip
- Lightly raced 4yo filly, only one win but from strong family (Lope De Vega).
- Ran well in stronger races earlier in season (York, Haydock).
- Carlisle win last summer suggests stamina for 10f+, and recent runs hint she’s coming back to form.
Score: 7.5/10 – unexposed angle
Ottoman (Greenall/Guerriero) – Improving
- Irish recruit, consistent since cheekpieces fitted and upped in trip.
- Maiden but knocking on the door (twice placed at this trip).
- Unlucky not to win at Nottingham when boxed in late.
- Still scope as a 3yo against older handicappers.
Score: 8/10 – progressive profile
Others
- Appleblossomwhite (De Souza): Stays, but limited finishing kick at this level. Handicapper looks in charge. 5.5/10
- Blunder (Johnston): 3yo, lightly raced, not yet shown enough; likely learning for handicaps. 4/10
- Division Day (Ellison): Only modest promise in maidens; looked outpaced over 12f, this trip suits more but raw. 5/10
Notebook / Angles
- Princess Niyla (3210 note): unlucky when persistently short of room earlier this year.
- Paris Lights (1092 note): unlucky C&D run at Newcastle, capable if gaps open.
- Jewel Maker (9579 note): Redcar specialist, last run marked up.
- Ottoman (4718 note): unlucky in running at Nottingham, suggesting a win is close.
Private Tissue
- Ottoman 7/2
- Mystical Maria 4/1
- Princess Niyla 9/2
- Jewel Maker 5/1
- Paris Lights 13/2
- Appleblossomwhite 10/1
- Division Day 14/1
- Blunder 20/1
Summary
Competitive Class 5 with several exposed types. Ottoman stands out as the most progressive in the field, unlucky last time and still improving as a 3yo. Mystical Maria is the unexposed filly, dropping to a winning trip and one to watch. Princess Niyla is reliable but perhaps a shade better at Beverley, while Jewel Maker is the Redcar track specialist who can never be ruled out.
Smart Play
- Win bet: Ottoman – looks ready to strike, progressive profile.
- Each-way saver: Mystical Maria – well-bred filly with upside at the trip.
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