The Grimthorpe is a proper staying handicap. Three miles and two furlongs on good ground around Doncaster demands accurate jumping and the ability to travel for a long way before finding again from the second last. It usually rewards horses in form rather than exposed grinders.
This year’s field is competitive without being exceptional. The average mark sits in the mid-120s and most arrive with solid handicap credentials. The key is identifying who is still ahead of the assessor.
Dartmoor Pirate
Progressive over fences and arrives on the back of a strong Doncaster win in a Grade 3 handicap over 3m. He travelled well, jumped soundly and found plenty late on. That performance suggests this longer trip is within range. He is up in the weights but still unexposed compared to most of these. Proven at the track and clearly in form.
Solid claims.
Kings Threshold
Carries top weight but brings proven Class 2 3m2f form on good ground. His Newbury win reads well and he stays strongly. The concern is 12-0 in a 13-runner staying handicap; giving weight away at this trip is rarely straightforward. He is genuine and consistent, but the margin for error is small.
Respected, but no gifts from the handicapper.
New Order
Second to Dartmoor Pirate here last time and meets him on similar terms. He travels smoothly and has shaped as though further would suit. The question is whether he truly improves for 3m2f or simply runs his race without quite finishing the job. A reliable profile and a fair racing weight make him a leading player.
Broomfields Cave
Lightly raced over fences and already a winner at the trip. Stays well and is tactically straightforward. However, most of his best efforts have come in smaller fields and this is a step up in depth and tempo. Likely to run honestly without necessarily improving again.
Kelce
Arrives in form and has been consistent in 3m handicaps. He jumps slightly left at times, which is not ideal here, and this is tougher than his recent assignments. Capable, but may find one or two better treated.
The rest
Destroytheevidence is consistent but looks high enough in the weights. King Turgeon has back class but recent form is below peak. Lord Accord and Moroder are admirable veterans, though younger legs are preferred in a race of this nature.
Verdict
The race revolves around the recent Doncaster form. Dartmoor Pirate is still progressing, has already proved himself on this track and shaped like a horse ready for this trip. With confidence high and jumping solid, he sets the standard.
New Order rates the main danger, with Kings Threshold the class angle under top weight.
Selection: Dartmoor Pirate