3:10 Beverley – 5f John William Phillips Memorial Nursery Handicap (Class 4, 2yo, 0-85)

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Going: Good to Firm | Field: 9 runners | Pace shape: Likely strong – several prominent racers (Miss Yechance, Gaga Mate, Chairmanfourtimes) could force it, with U Turn also going forward. That sets up for something stalking just off the speed.
Draw: Beverley 5f is notoriously draw-sensitive. Low numbers by the inside rail have the edge if breaking sharply. High draws need luck or pace collapse.


Strongest Contenders

  • Chairmanfourtimes (9st3, OR 79, Draw 6) – Proven & Progressive
    Improved steadily through the summer, knocking on the door in strong nurseries. Third in a valuable York handicap last week reads as the best piece of form here. Brings proven class, handles fast ground, and trainer does well in these northern nurseries. Only negative: pace pressure may leave him vulnerable if trapped wide early.
  • Elara May (9st0, OR 76, Draw 5) – Progressive & Winning Form
    Back-to-back wins (Yarmouth, Chepstow) and still looks ahead of her mark despite being upped in grade. Travels well, and her mid-div style could suit if pace collapses. First run at Beverley, but breeding (Bated Breath filly) suggests speed/firm ground will suit.
  • Gaga Mate (9st8, OR 84, Draw 4) – Proven at High Level
    Ran huge at Newbury in a big sales race, finishing 3rd of 19. Drops back into calmer waters here. Consistent, strong figures (RPR 91) and drawn well. If reproducing Newbury form, will be very hard to beat.

Main Dangers

  • Miss Yechance (9st10, OR 86, Draw 2) – Topweight, Classy but Exposed?
    Listed effort in France respectable but still a little short of winning at this level under 9st10. The draw is perfect (stall 2) and she has Beverley-type speed, but may give best to progressive types under a stiff weight.
  • U Turn (8st10, OR 72, Draw 8) – Promising, but Wrong Draw
    Finally broke his maiden here at Beverley (CD winner). Handles the track well, but now in tougher company and stuck in stall 8, which is a negative. Needs early luck to slot in.

Interesting Outsiders

  • Artista (8st10, OR 72, Draw 9) – Beverley CD winner for Nick Bradley team. Has run in Listed/Group company since. The draw is tough, but she’s better than her last runs suggest and is overpriced if things fall right.
  • Valor Spirit (8st10, OR 72, Draw 1) – Runner-up to Chairmanfourtimes last time at Pontefract, now 6lb better off. Draw 1 ideal if breaking sharply. Lacks the class of a few here but not ruled out for a place.

Runner Suitability Scores (out of 10)

  • Chairmanfourtimes – 9/10 (solid York form, versatile, progressive)
  • Elara May – 8.5/10 (progressive filly, well-placed to pounce late)
  • Gaga Mate – 8.5/10 (Newbury 3rd stands out, strong chance if backing up)
  • Miss Yechance – 7.5/10 (classy but exposed, topweight not ideal)
  • U Turn – 7/10 (course winner, bad draw a worry)
  • Artista – 6.5/10 (CD winner, tough draw but worth respect)
  • Valor Spirit – 6.5/10 (draw 1 helps, lacks gear change)
  • Ambishio – 5.5/10 (maiden, may want easier grade)
  • Dandy Style – 5/10 (looks regressive, step up needed)

Private Tissue (my odds)

  • Chairmanfourtimes 7/2
  • Gaga Mate 4/1
  • Elara May 9/2
  • Miss Yechance 11/2
  • U Turn 8/1
  • Artista 10/1
  • Valor Spirit 12/1
  • Ambishio 16/1
  • Dandy Style 20/1

Summary & Smart Play

This looks a strong nursery with several progressive 2yos. Pace likely strong with the inside-drawn speedsters, suiting something stalking just off.

Smart Play:

  • Win bet – Chairmanfourtimes (form at York too strong to ignore; progressive and can handle the track).
  • Each-way saver – Elara May (on the up, tactically well-suited, could pick them off late if pace collapses).

Market watch: If Gaga Mate shortens significantly, respect – his Newbury 3rd is the standout single piece of form.

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