Against The Wind
Lightly raced sprinter (9 runs, 3 wins) who’s already shown he can mix it at Class 2 level. All three victories have come over the minimum trip, including on Tapeta at Newcastle and Southwell. Handles fast turf but has looked especially strong on slower AW surfaces. Hasn’t yet convinced in the biggest fields, but brings an upwardly mobile profile and a career-best RPR 109 last time.
Profile type: Improving 3yo sprinter, well suited to AW.
Brave Nation (IRE)
Seasoned campaigner (26 runs) with three wins, all at 5f, notably twice at Doncaster. Picked up black-type experience but his best has come in handicaps off mid-90s marks. Consistent in big-field 5f handicaps, though often finds one too good at this level. Strong finisher when things fall right; placed at Southwell on AW earlier this year.
Profile type: Exposed but reliable, a place contender in competitive handicaps.
Canon’s House
Rapid improver earlier this year, completing a hat-trick (5–6f) before finding life tougher in deeper company. All three wins came on turf, including on good ground. Southwell AW placed form suggests he handles the surface. Career-best RPR 112 shows ability, but still has something to prove at this class ceiling.
Profile type: Handicap improver, but stepping into deeper waters.
Clarendon House
The class act of the field – 35 runs, 10 wins, and multiple Listed/Group efforts. A 5f specialist who has won on turf and AW (Southwell, Wolverhampton). Has run to 118 RPR in top sprints, and although not always consistent, he brings proven high-end form. Likely to be one of the pace influences and could prove hard to peg back if things fall right.
Profile type: Group-proven sprinter with AW class – danger to all.
Emperor Spirit (IRE)
Battle-hardened 33-run gelding with 4 wins, mostly on the AW. Very versatile trip-wise (5f–1m), but best efforts have come sprinting on synthetics. Solid 2nd at Chelmsford in the spring (RPR 115). Can front-run or stalk, and often competitive in Class 3. Looks a touch vulnerable in top-end Class 2 heats but always runs his race.
Profile type: Solid AW handicapper, but not much wriggle room at this mark.
Existent
Ultra-experienced (55 runs, 3 wins) with a high class ceiling – placed in Group 3s and rated up to RPR 133 at his peak. Has become difficult to win with, going 37 runs without victory on turf, though still holds strong ratings in big handicaps. Consistently knocks on the door in Class 2 sprints but needs things to fall just right.
Profile type: High-class but frustrating – more likely place than win.
Muker (IRE)
Hard-knocking sprinter (43 runs, 8 wins). Effective over 5f with victories at Redcar, Thirsk, Doncaster and Ayr. Has a knack for popping up at a price in handicaps, best RPR 115. Handles both turf and AW (Southwell placed). Likes being on the pace and can cling on if not pressed too hard.
Profile type: Seasoned handicapper, dangerous when able to dominate.
Northern Spirit
Consistent sprinter with 34 runs, 7 wins, and proven form at 5–6f. Equally effective on turf and Tapeta. Peak RPR 111 shows he belongs at this level. Tends to run well in summer handicaps and can adapt tactically. Not flashy but keeps picking up.
Profile type: Reliable mid-tier sprinter, each-way player.
Paddy’s Day (IRE)
A big AW player – 18 AW runs with 7 wins (notably 6 at Newcastle). Turf record far patchier (1/24). Has scored in Class 2 at 5f, RPR 112 peak. Needs Tapeta to show his best, and Southwell hasn’t produced a win yet (0/3), though placed. At his best when produced late off a strong pace.
Profile type: AW specialist, risky on turf but respected back on Tapeta.
Queen’s Guard
Lightly raced mare (14 runs, 3 wins) with a 6f bias but placed at 5f too. Wins on turf and AW, including at Lingfield and Kempton. Still fairly unexposed compared to most of these. Peak RPR 115 shows she can mix it in good handicaps, though her strike rate at 5f (0/3) is a slight negative.
Profile type: Unexposed sprinter, could improve further at 5–6f.
Regal Envoy (IRE)
One of the most prolific in the field (40 runs, 12 wins). Splits 6f/5f evenly and thrives in Class 4/3 handicaps. Peak RPR 115 shows high ability, though his record in higher-end Class 2 races is mixed. Likes to be handy and is tough when in rhythm. AW form is sound (3 wins).
Profile type: Tough, consistent handicapper, but this is his ceiling.
Tan Rapido
Still on the up with just 12 runs, 2 wins. Both victories over 5f, including at Windsor. Has placed form on Tapeta at Southwell and Chelmsford, with RPR 113. Strong summer profile (2 wins in July/August). Could be open to improvement at this level, though faces more battle-hardened rivals here.
Profile type: Progressive 4yo sprinter, still improving.
Tatterstall (IRE)
18 runs, 4 wins, mostly at 5f. Notable scorer at Epsom and Goodwood, showing liking for sharp tracks. Best RPR 113 shows he can compete in deep handicaps. Form has been a little in-and-out, but has landed valuable handicaps before. On a going day, he’s dangerous in big-field 5f races.
Profile type: Capable handicapper, but consistency an issue.
The Bell Conductor (IRE)
5f specialist with 32 runs, 8 wins. Has a superb Southwell record (4/8 on AW there), including strong RPR 116 efforts. Handles soft turf too, but clearly better on Tapeta. Often blasts from the gates and hard to peg back when in form. Question is whether he can still cut it at the very top end of Class 2/3 handicaps.
Profile type: Southwell specialist sprinter – big player if back on song.
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