Race Shape & Draw:
Little obvious pace, so it could become tactical. Many Men and Circus Of Rome most likely to sit handy, while Push The Limit races just behind the speed. Arabian Force usually waits and will need luck from a wide stall (8). Inside draws favour Push The Limit (1) and Many Men (2).
Main Contenders
Arabian Force (p) — Brings the strongest form: an excellent fast-finishing third in the Group 2 Voltigeur at York. Looks to stay 1m6f, but ground softer than he’s faced before. Clear standard setter, but style/draw are slight risks.
Push The Limit (p) — Progressive colt from Ralph Beckett. Won at Goodwood (1m3f) then an excellent Ascot 2nd (1m4f, soft), well clear of the rest. Pedigree and style suggest he’ll relish 1m6f. Safer option than Arabian Force if the race turns tactical.
Many Men (p) — Consistent improver and genuine stayer (1m6f–2m). Narrowly denied in the Melrose. Class hike from handicaps the question, but he’s tough, well-drawn and will be in the right place tactically.
Circus Of Rome (p) — Newbury and Newcastle wins show progress; solid 4th at Haydock over 1m6f. Still improving, but needs a career best to match the principals.
Others
Defiantly (P) — Lightly raced and improving; shaped as a stayer at Leopardstown. More to come but a fair bit to find.
Fantasy World (p) — Reliable handicapper; soft-ground winner, but lines through Circus Of Rome leave him a bit short of Listed level.
Nightwalker — Ability once suggested but recent runs inconsistent; new trip plus hood today, but confidence low.
Too Soon — Exposed, and unlikely to feature at this level.
Suitability Scores /10
Arabian Force — 8.5
Push The Limit — 8
Many Men — 7.5
Circus Of Rome — 7
Fantasy World — 6
Defiantly — 6 (P)
Nightwalker — 5
Too Soon — 3
Private Tissue (my odds)
Arabian Force 2/1
Push The Limit 9/4
Many Men 7/1
Circus Of Rome 8/1
Defiantly 14/1
Fantasy World 16/1
Nightwalker 20/1
Too Soon 50/1
Summary & Smart Play
This race revolves around Arabian Force (class act from the Voltigeur) and Push The Limit (thriving handicapper now up in grade). The former has the form edge, the latter is more straightforward tactically. Behind them, Many Men is the solid stayer who could capitalise if it turns into a slog.
Smart Play generated by ChatGPT
Win bet: Arabian Force — best form on offer, still improving.
Each-way saver: Many Men — proven stamina, low draw, likely to be in the right spot if tactics get messy.