Pace / Draw:

• Likely strong pace: Gordon Grey is a habitual front-runner and usually goes forward. Beauld As Brass can also press on when breaking on terms.
• Stalls are centre: Epsom 12f isn’t hugely draw-sensitive, but prominent racers drawn low/middle often gain first run.

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Strongest Contenders

Gordon Grey – Proven / Progressive

• 2 wins over C&D (Ladies’ Derby ’24 & ’25), including a demolition job this summer.
• Comes here in peak form after a Newbury win; 4lb rise very manageable.
• Sets the pace, relishes Epsom’s undulations, and looks the one they must pass.
• Cheekpieces added, possibly to sharpen concentration.
  Big positive: 3-4 record in amateur events, clear target horse.

Warning Sign – Promising / Progressive

• Arrives on a roll with back-to-back Sandown wins (1m/1m2f).
• 8lb higher but still unexposed at this trip; ran 2nd in this race last year.
• Strong finisher, though may need pace to collapse late.
  Danger if stamina fully lasts.

Vaynor – Well Handicapped / Threat

• Two years without a win but shaped well when 2nd in similar Haydock amateur race over 1m6f.
• Back to 1m4f should be fine; mark of 71 workable.
• Reliable hold-up type but often finds one too good.

Beauld As Brass – Hit & Miss but Dangerous

• Five wins already this year (10f–14f).
• Epsom flop in June but bounced back with a Haydock win before another heavy defeat at Goodwood.
• Tongue-tie tried, P. Mullins booked (big booking for an amateur race).
• If he breaks cleanly, he’s well capable of winning off 86.

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Others

• Fast Steps – Honest but exposed, usually places rather than wins. Hard to see him reversing form with Gordon Grey.
• Big Bear Hug – Needs soft ground, Epsom form patchy. Opposable on today’s surface.
• Way Of Life – Stronger on AW, turf record poor (1-20). Looks vulnerable.
• Sanitiser – Out of form, needs headgear miracle.

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Runner Ratings (Suitability out of 10)

• Gordon Grey – 9.5/10 (ideal setup, strong C&D record, peak form)
• Warning Sign – 8/10 (progressive, danger if stamina holds)
• Vaynor – 7.5/10 (threat at weights, but place claims stronger than win)
• Beauld As Brass – 7/10 (classy but risky, needs to bounce back)
• Fast Steps – 6/10 (reliable but not improving, minor money chance only)
• Big Bear Hug – 5/10 (ground not ideal, weighted about right)
• Way Of Life – 4/10 (better on AW, turf form too weak)
• Sanitiser – 3/10 (well below form, hard to fancy)

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Private Tissue Odds (Raceform Data Estimate)

• Gordon Grey 2/1
• Warning Sign 3/1
• Vaynor 5/1
• Beauld As Brass 6/1
• Fast Steps 10/1
• Big Bear Hug 14/1
• Way Of Life 20/1
• Sanitiser 33/1

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Summary

This looks set up for Gordon Grey, who loves Epsom, thrives in amateur events, and comes here on a hat-trick. He should get the lead and prove hard to peg back. Warning Sign is the chief danger, especially if stamina holds, while Vaynor appeals as the solid each-way alternative after his Haydock second. Beauld As Brass is a wild card – either wins or blows out.

Smart Play:

• Win Bet – Gordon Grey (C&D specialist, peak form)
• Each-Way Saver – Vaynor (dangerous mark, consistent in this grade)