This looks competitive at first glance, but the data quickly cuts through the noise.
Zanahiyr sits miles clear on the HRB TimeWise ratings and that matters. Rank 1 horses win these far more often than not, and the gap to the rest is not marginal — it’s decisive. You’re dealing with a horse who has Grade 1 ability over jumps and proven Flat form, which immediately sets the standard.
The race shape adds a layer of intrigue. There’s no obvious front runner, but the overall pressure suggests a solid gallop will develop. Most of the field sit just off the pace, which points to a compressed race turning for home rather than a total collapse. That’s important — it favours horses with class and the ability to travel, not just hold-up plodders.
Zanahiyr fits that perfectly. He’s tactically versatile, stays well, and crucially, finds off the bridle. The slight concern is that a strongly run race might not be ideal, but in a field lacking a true pace angle, that worry is reduced.
Looking at the opposition, Not Just Any Eagle (Rank 2) is the only one that makes any real appeal on the numbers. He’s consistent, stays the trip, and should be involved late. The problem is simple — he doesn’t have the class edge to match the favourite unless that one underperforms.
Light Up The Dark will have his supporters, especially with Timeform putting him forward, but he’s only Rank 4 and has shown signs of not finishing his races as strongly as expected. At the prices, he looks more risky than rewarding.
Coeur Sublime is the wildcard. On ability he’s dangerous, but after a long absence, backing him requires a leap of faith.
Further down, Slurricane and Plunkett Street have profiles that suggest they’ll be staying on late, but both need the race to fall apart more than it likely will.
In short, this isn’t as open as it appears.
The race revolves around Zanahiyr — if he runs to his mark, the rest are playing for places.
Selection: Zanahiyr (IRE)
Confidence: Strong