Two miles on heavy ground. Small field. Proper test.
This race normally goes to a horse with genuine class, not a handicapper sneaking in under the radar. On paper, that points straight at Storm Heart.
He tops the ratings, owns the best piece of form in the race and arrives off a comfortable heavy-ground win at Limerick. He’s already proven at Grade 1 level over this trip and brings the strongest overall profile into the contest. In simple terms, he’s the best horse in the field.
The slight caveat? He’s short in the betting and that last win came in a four-runner affair. This will be more tactical and Gowran’s heavy ground can turn a race into a slog late on. Still, if he runs anywhere near his established level, he should take this.
Farren Glory looks the solid alternative. He’s battle-hardened in graded company, handles heavy and rarely runs a bad race. He may lack the turn of foot of the favourite, but he’ll be there if this becomes a grind from the front. He makes most appeal for forecasts and each-way players.
Kawaboomga is the unknown. Lightly raced and open to improvement, but returning from a long absence and jumping straight from maiden company into a Grade 3 is a big ask.
The remainder look a notch below on what they’ve shown so far.
Verdict: This revolves around Storm Heart. He has the class edge and the proven heavy-ground form. Farren Glory is the one to chase him home, but the favourite is the most likely winner.