Ground: Good-Firm (well watered) | Predicted Pace: Even–Steady (no obvious trailblazer, may become tactical)
Draw: Neutral at this trip – more about positioning than stall.
Strongest Contenders
- Klassleader (William Haggas) – Progressive
Strong pedigree (Lope De Vega × Group 3 mare Klassique), shaped well on debut at Sandown then improved a chunk at Doncaster (2nd, RPR 101). Clear of rest, still learning, and bred to relish this trip. Proven to handle GF, but dam excelled in softer, so versatile. Trainer/jockey combo is strong. - Sword Of Wessex (Charlie Fellowes) – Proven in handicaps
350,000gns son of Wootton Bassett. Maiden placed behind decent types, then won at Doncaster (1m4f, Class 2 h’cap). Latest effort in Yarmouth handicap solid off 80. Has flat experience, race-fitness, and tactical speed; cheekpieces/visor have helped focus. - Hunsterson (Jonathan Portman) – Promising
Massive step up from debut (2nd, Goodwood maiden, RPR 90 at 50/1). Related to stayers up to 1m6f, and shaped as though this trip will suit. Still raw but strong finish suggests scope.
Main Dangers
- Moon Chime (Killahena/McPherson) – Classy hurdler on Flat debut
5-time winner under rules, peak RPR 133 over hurdles. Hung badly on Flat debut at Goodwood (beaten 13l), so quirks remain. 7yo against unexposed 3yos is a big ask. Class edge in ability but not a natural Flat horse. - Port Of London (Gosden) – Unexposed but disappointing debut
Godolphin colt by Night Of Thunder. Pedigree points to stamina (dam Pomology smart). Flopped on debut at Windsor (weakened quickly, possibly ground-related). Hard to trust yet, but improvement possible if excuses valid. Market will guide.
Interesting Outsiders
- Big Win (Charlton) – Shaped okay on debut in hot Kempton maiden, then ran to RPR 70 again. Stamina to prove. Not without minor place claims if improving.
- Bowling Shane (Philippart de Foy) – Very green on debut, too backward to judge. Better expected in time.
- Roman Landings (Morrison) – Beaten out of sight both runs, 200/1 last time; opposable.
Runner Scores (Suitability & Setup)
- Klassleader – 9/10 – clear standout, progressive profile, ideal trip.
- Sword Of Wessex – 8/10 – hardened handicapper, strong form at today’s trip.
- Hunsterson – 7/10 – interesting improver, should stay, EW possible.
- Moon Chime – 6/10 – high hurdles rating, but quirks & unsuited to Flat tempo.
- Port Of London – 6/10 – pedigree fine, excuses possible, but poor debut.
- Big Win – 5/10 – shown ability but below leading trio.
- Bowling Shane – 4/10 – too green last time, work in progress.
- Roman Landings – 2/10 – no worthwhile form.
Private Tissue (Guide Odds)
- Klassleader – 11/8
- Sword Of Wessex – 5/2
- Hunsterson – 9/2
- Moon Chime – 10/1
- Port Of London – 12/1
- Big Win – 14/1
- Bowling Shane – 25/1
- Roman Landings – 100/1
Summary & Smart Play
This looks a match between the progressive Klassleader and the battle-hardened Sword Of Wessex, with Hunsterson the improver to consider each-way. Moon Chime brings class but not the right code/form, while Port Of London needs to bounce back quickly.
Smart Play:
- Win bet – Klassleader (unexposed, ideal setup, top stable)
- Each-way saver – Hunsterson (strong finish on debut, will stay further, could improve sharply).
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