7.30 Newbury – Highclere Castle Gin Handicap (Class 4, 1m2f, 3yo only, Good-Firm)

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Pace & Draw Angles

  • Pace looks fairly even, but Star Of Dubai has gone forward before and may ensure a reasonable gallop.
  • Sir William and Wolfpack usually race just behind the leaders.
  • Pivotal Days and King Al tend to be held up, so risk of traffic if tempo steadies.
  • Draw: Newbury 10f rarely extreme bias; middle-to-low stalls (1–6) often preferred in bigger fields.

Strongest Contenders

Sir William (Haggas/Marquand) – Proven

  • Consistent RPRs in the 89–94 range, repeatedly competitive at this level.
  • Trainer/jockey combination red hot (75% rtf last 14 days).
  • Still maiden, but looks the most solid profile – trip suits, ground ideal.
  • 8/10

Kokanee (Dunlop/Crouch) – Progressive

  • Beverley winner and big eyecatcher at Sandown last time (RPR 91).
  • Shaped like he has more to come, trip suits, handles quick ground.
  • Dangerous improver off 77.
  • 8/10

Minhad (Ismail Mohammed/Jakes) – Progressive

  • Strong runs in good races (close 4th at Newmarket, RPR 88).
  • Forgive Ascot G2 run; back in handicaps is key.
  • Pedigree points to stamina, may prefer softer but class angle here.
  • 7.5/10

Masterinthewoods (Lavelle/Crowley) – Promising

  • Consistent, 1 win + 4 places last 5 runs, peak RPR 93.
  • Stays well, likely to be strong late.
  • Ground/trip ideal, but up in class now.
  • 7/10

Main Dangers & Interesting Outsiders

  • Wolfpack – lightly raced, recent Haydock run better than bare result; unexposed at this trip. Needs a sharper finish. (6.5/10)
  • Hinchinbrooke – pedigree says 10f ideal, excuses on handicap debut. Could bounce back, but risky. (6/10)
  • Star Of Dubai – Bath maiden winner, but stamina at 10f looks questionable. More likely a pace angle than winner. (5.5/10)
  • Pivotal Days – one good Haydock win but unreliable since. First try 10f, stamina not assured. (5/10)
  • King Al – lightly raced, shaped well at Doncaster latest (RPR 88). Could be unexposed improver at trip. (6.5/10)

Runner Suitability Scores

  • Sir William – 8/10 (solid, consistent, right set-up)
  • Kokanee – 8/10 (progressive, improver angle)
  • Minhad – 7.5/10 (classy but ground concern)
  • Masterinthewoods – 7/10 (consistent, stamina strong)
  • Wolfpack – 6.5/10 (still learning, possible improver)
  • King Al – 6.5/10 (dark horse, lightly raced)
  • Hinchinbrooke – 6/10 (needs to confirm promise)
  • Star Of Dubai – 5.5/10 (trip concern)
  • Pivotal Days – 5/10 (unreliable profile)

Private Tissue (My Odds)

  • Sir William 7/2
  • Kokanee 9/2
  • Minhad 6/1
  • Masterinthewoods 13/2
  • Wolfpack 8/1
  • King Al 8/1
  • Hinchinbrooke 12/1
  • Star Of Dubai 14/1
  • Pivotal Days 16/1

Summary & Smart Play

This looks a well-contested 3yo handicap with several open to progress. Sir William brings the strongest consistent handicap form and looks ready to strike at this level. Kokanee is the improver, dangerous if building on Sandown run, while Minhad brings class back into handicap company.

Smart Play:

  • Win Bet – Sir William (solid form, top yard, right trip)
  • Saver – Kokanee (potential improver, value angle)
  • Each-way – Masterinthewoods if 8+ run (consistent, strong finisher, safe profile).

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