Pace & Draw Angles

• Expected honest pace: Partisan Hero (front-runner) and Aurora Majesty (goes forward) likely to ensure a good tempo.
• Crimson Spirit and Bell Shot are typically midfield closers, while The Fingal Raven and Competizione can sit handy.
• Low-to-middle draws historically suit over Epsom’s sharp 7f; stalls 1–4 look handier today (advantage Bell Shot, Society Man, The Fingal Raven).

---

Leading Contenders

Proven / Progressive / Promising Profiles

• Crimson Spirit (Proven & Progressive) – 2-4 at Epsom, recent close second at Musselburgh, thriving on fast ground. Handles the track well and only up 1lb. Very solid credentials.
• Aurora Majesty (Promising) – Improving 3yo, C&D winner last month, ran a cracker when 3rd in a strong Goodwood handicap. Up just 1lb and back in calmer waters; likely to be well backed.
• Bell Shot (Progressive) – Dominant Beverley winner 12 days ago (up 7lb), travelling like a horse still ahead of the assessor. Strong at the trip, well drawn, but this is a step up in depth.
• Partisan Hero (Proven) – C&D winner in June, solid Galway effort latest. Reliable front-runner who could dictate if breaking well. Still well handicapped on best.

---

Main Dangers & Interesting Outsiders

• Competizione (Promising, unexposed 3yo) – Windsor novice winner (1m, GF) but outclassed in big-field Ascot handicaps. Now back to Class 3 and drops to 7f; could rebound with Murphy up.
• The Fingal Raven (Solid but exposed) – Useful in Meydan, placed at Sandown, but win record (1-10) tempers enthusiasm. Place chances only.
• Native American (Class-dropper, risky) – Smart in Qatar/UAE but flopped at York on return; cheekpieces back on. Needs revival.
• Fifty Nifty (Regressive) – Looked smart early in season but has lost his way; headgear a last resort.
• Society Man (Unreliable) – French mud winner but bled last time, poor reappearance. Hard to trust.

---

Runner Ratings (Suitability /10)

• Crimson Spirit – 9/10 – Track form, current consistency, right weight swing.
• Aurora Majesty – 8.5/10 – Improving 3yo, unexposed, proven C&D.
• Bell Shot – 8.5/10 – Flying form, but 7lb hike into tougher race.
• Partisan Hero – 8/10 – Solid front-runner, suited by grade drop.
• Competizione – 7/10 – Scopey 3yo, needs to prove at 7f.
• The Fingal Raven – 6.5/10 – Consistent, but weak finisher.
• Native American – 6/10 – Risky after poor York run.
• Fifty Nifty – 5/10 – Fallen from early promise.
• Society Man – 4/10 – Hard to support given latest.

---

Private Tissue (fair odds)

• Crimson Spirit 3/1
• Aurora Majesty 7/2
• Bell Shot 9/2
• Partisan Hero 6/1
• Competizione 8/1
• The Fingal Raven 10/1
• Native American 12/1
• Fifty Nifty 20/1
• Society Man 33/1

---

Summary

A strong handicap where the progressive 3yos (Aurora Majesty, Competizione) meet solid 4yo handicappers (Crimson Spirit, Partisan Hero, Bell Shot). Pace looks genuine, suiting stalkers. Epsom C&D specialists usually hold sway here.

Smart Play

• Win Bet: Crimson Spirit – rock-solid Epsom performer, consistent, and well placed off 90.
• Each-Way Saver: Aurora Majesty – unexposed 3yo with further upside, still ahead of his mark.
• Danger: Bell Shot – flying form but needs to prove it at this higher level.