A competitive three-mile handicap for Class 5 stayers, featuring a mix of consistent handicappers and lightly raced types stepping up in trip. The ground is officially good, and Wetherby’s relatively sharp three miles should reward those who travel kindly and jump efficiently rather than pure grinders.

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Race Setup

There is no out-and-out front-runner, but Kiss My Face, Victory Club, and Rebel Intentions can all go forward, ensuring a fair tempo. Thank You Blue and Easter Icon should get good stalking positions, while Red Force One and Belladinotte are likely to be delivered from off the pace. The race could develop into a true test from the top of the straight, where the ability to maintain rhythm will matter most.

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Key Contenders

Kiss My Face (Rebecca Menzies)
A strong stayer and remarkably consistent at this level. He drops in grade after finishing a close third in a better Warwick Class 4 and looks well placed back in Class 5 company. The 3lb claim of Joe Anderson effectively reduces his burden to 11st 11lb, which is significant over this trip. Proven at 3m on good ground and tactically versatile, he sets the standard.

Easter Icon (Donald McCain)
Lightly raced and open to further improvement. Won over 2m6f at Sedgefield before an unlucky unseat when about to challenge next time. Absent since the spring but goes well fresh, and this step up to 3m should suit his smooth-travelling style. If fit, he rates the main danger to the favourite.

Thank You Blue (Jennie Candlish)
A spring winner at Southwell and Kempton, he has been a little inconsistent since but hinted at a return to form when staying on late at Uttoxeter. Stamina at three miles still needs to be fully proven, yet a reproduction of his early-season figures would make him competitive off this mark.

Red Force One (Philip Kirby)
A flat winner earlier this year who has translated that form reasonably well back over hurdles. Shaped well when placed at Kelso last time, but his stamina at a truly run three miles is open to question. Likely to be delivered late, and could nick a place if the leaders overdo it.

Belladinotte (Sara Ender)
Lightweight mare with a summer win over this trip and another solid effort from a similar mark in July. Two quieter runs followed, but she remains unexposed as a stayer and carries just 10st 2lb. If ridden patiently, she could run on into the frame at decent odds.

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Others

Romeo Brown returns from a layoff and hasn’t fully convinced at this distance. Victory Club and Rebel Intentions can be prominent early but have patchy recent form. East Eagle and Tees Comp’s Clive need significant improvement to feature.

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Tactical View

A fair, even gallop should develop, favouring strong travellers who stay the trip. With no confirmed front-runner, control of pace may rest with Kiss My Face, who can either make or sit just behind the lead. Wetherby’s three-mile hurdle often rewards horses who conserve energy early and jump efficiently down the back.

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Verdict

Kiss My Face brings the best and most reliable form to the table, backed by a useful claim and an ideal setup. Easter Icon is the main danger if fit after his break, while Thank You Blue has the tools to fill the frame if he sees out the full trip.

Predicted 1–2–3:

1. Kiss My Face
2. Easter Icon
3. Thank You Blue
4. Belladinotte (each-way value)

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Private Tissue (100% Book)

• Kiss My Face – 3/1
• Easter Icon – 9/2
• Thank You Blue – 6/1
• Red Force One – 8/1
• Belladinotte – 10/1
• Romeo Brown – 12/1
• Victory Club – 12/1
• Rebel Intentions – 16/1
• Tees Comp’s Clive – 16/1
• East Eagle – 25/1+

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Summary:
This looks a good opportunity for Kiss My Face, who brings reliable staying form and a favourable weight structure. Easter Icon is the one with untapped potential, while Belladinotte could prove a value play at double-figure odds if the leaders tire late.