Nottingham 3:14 – Close Brothers Premium Finance Handicap (Class 3, 1m2f50y, Good)

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15 October 2025

A deep and balanced 1m2f handicap where unexposed three-year-olds meet seasoned older handicappers. The round course here rewards balance and rhythm — being handy into the first bend usually pays off, particularly when the pace is measured rather than strong.

Race Setup

King’s Code and Green Triangle are the most likely to push forward, while Gamrai and Loughville should get ideal stalking runs from handy draws. Bowerchalke and Mr Alan are likely to be played later, with Flight Leader and Parlando needing cover from wider positions. The pace should be even, giving every type a fair chance if the race develops smoothly.

Leading Contenders

Gamrai (Simon & Ed Crisford) – Lope De Vega colt who looks a typical improver for this yard. Won smartly at Windsor in July and ran well under a penalty at Epsom. Makes his handicap debut off a fair mark of 90 and looks the type to keep progressing. His tactical speed and uncomplicated style should suit this track.

Loughville (Michael Bell) – A tough and consistent mare who has held her own in Listed and valuable handicaps at 12f. Drops slightly in trip here, which should help, and she’s drawn well to sit just behind the leaders. Carries top weight but brings the most reliable form in the field.

Mr Alan (George Boughey) – Has an excellent record at Nottingham, with two wins from three starts here. Handles good ground but probably prefers a bit of cut. The booking of a 7lb claimer brings him back to a competitive weight. A genuine contender if he reproduces his best course form.

King’s Code (David O’Meara) – A battle-hardened five-year-old with form across turf and AW. He’s been running well in stronger company, and if he’s allowed to stride on at his own tempo, he could be dangerous from the front.

Bowerchalke (Rae Guest) – Effective on both turf and synthetics. Her second in a Listed race at Goodwood in June stands out as strong form. The inside draw allows her to drop in and track the pace, though she’ll need gaps to appear at the right time.

Green Triangle (Edward Bethell) – Capable but quirky. Has shown best around a mile and needs to settle over this longer trip. Has the ability but remains something of a wild card.

Flight Leader (Clive Cox) – Has the back class for this, having mixed in Group company in the past, but hasn’t been hitting those heights this season. Wide draw and top weight make life tricky, though the drop in class is a help.

Earthwatch (William Haggas) – Lightly raced and improving, though this is a significant step up from the company he’s been facing. More of a long-term prospect but not without potential.

Parlando (John Butler) – Absent since last autumn and likely to need the outing. Best watched for now.

Verdict

A competitive heat where the unexposed Gamrai appeals most as a progressive three-year-old on a fair mark, with the right tactical profile for Nottingham. Loughville brings solidity and experience to the table and looks the main danger. Mr Alan is the proven course specialist who should again run well, while King’s Code is the value play if able to control the pace.

Predicted 1–2–3:

  1. Gamrai
  2. Loughville
  3. Mr Alan

Private Tissue (100% Book)

  • Gamrai – 3/1
  • Loughville – 9/2
  • Mr Alan – 5/1
  • Bowerchalke – 6/1
  • King’s Code – 8/1
  • Flight Leader – 10/1
  • Green Triangle – 12/1
  • Earthwatch – 14/1
  • Parlando – 16/1

Summary

An intriguing contest where the younger generation take on proven older stayers. Gamrai looks the most progressive and is open to further improvement, while Loughville and Mr Alan provide solid benchmarks on established form. Expect an even pace and a fair test of tactical speed up the home straight.

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