Pace & Draw:
Likely an even-to-solid gallop. Al Shaham has made all at Ripon, but Amorim can track, and a few of the fillies (Lam Yai, Temple Of Athena) race handily too. With only seven runners, the draw is less significant, though low/mid stalls have traditionally helped over 6f here.
Strongest Contenders
Al Shaham (Simon & Ed Crisford) – Proven/Progressive
- 2-2 over this C&D, both visually strong wins.
- Stable has won 4 of last 7 renewals.
- Sectionals suggest he’s been value for more than the bare margins.
- Pedigree screams 2yo precocity (Blue Point out of a Pivotal mare).
- Suitability: Track-proven, progressive, only concern is lack of battle-tested form in big fields.
- Score: 9.5/10
Amorim (George Boughey) – Promising/Progressive
- 6l Windsor winner (RPR 88), then third in Newbury Listed (RPR 86).
- Has already run to Listed level, which gives him the “hard form” Al Shaham lacks.
- Yard in form, well-entered in Group 2 races.
- Suitability: No track experience, but reliable, straightforward style.
- Score: 8.5/10
Main Dangers / Interesting Outsiders
Lam Yai (Karl Burke) – Promising
- Carlisle maiden winner (soft) and not disgraced at Naas in Listed (form boosted since).
- Pedigree suggests versatility, though quicker ground a possible issue.
- Score: 7/10
Saucy Jane (Jack Morland) – Interesting EW
- Beverley maiden winner; Listed fourth at York; close nursery 2nd latest (RPR 81).
- Hood seemed to help her settle last time.
- Score: 7/10
Temple Of Athena (Brian Ellison) – Question marks
- Won Beverley maiden (soft), then solid Goodwood 3rd.
- Looked stretched over 6f at York; may be better at 5f.
- Score: 6/10
Awraad (Gemma Tutty) – Exposed
- Game Pontefract winner, solid York nursery run (5th/19).
- Listed form earlier suggests ceiling at this level.
- Score: 5.5/10
Anaisa (Tim Easterby) – Place-chaser
- Honest filly, but form capped around RPR mid-70s.
- More sales-race type than Listed filly.
- Score: 4.5/10
Each-Way Angles (7 runners – 2 places)
- Saucy Jane has enough solid form and the right profile (settling better, hooded, Listed-placed) to be a realistic each-way alternative at double-figure odds.
Private Tissue
- Al Shaham 11/10
- Amorim 5/2
- Lam Yai 7/1
- Saucy Jane 10/1
- Temple Of Athena 14/1
- Awraad 20/1
- Anaisa 33/1
Summary
This Listed prize has been a Crisford target race and Al Shaham looks set to follow the stable trend—he’s unbeaten over C&D, has the right tactical pace for Ripon, and still looks to have plenty in hand. Amorim is the obvious danger, with genuine Listed form and a yard known for sharp juveniles. For place/back-up betting, Saucy Jane appeals most of the outsiders.
Smart Play:
- Win Bet – Al Shaham (C&D specialist, progressive, ideal setup).
- Each-Way Saver – Saucy Jane (solid form, improving with headgear).
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