5f 160y, Good ground, 4yo+ fillies & mares, 0-85 handicap
Field size: 6 runners

This looks a tactical sprint rather than a strongly-run handicap. The Timeform pace forecast of “Very Weak” is important here because Bath’s sharp downhill sprint track can heavily favour those able to secure a handy early position when the gallop is modest. With only six runners, luck in running matters less than usual, but tactical positioning becomes more important.

Draw bias at Bath over this trip is not especially pronounced in small fields, though being able to race prominently and hold the rail around the downhill section can still help. Pace is the dominant angle rather than stall position.

The race should be weighted more heavily towards:

Tactical speed/prominent positioning

Proven Bath/C&D form

Ability to quicken off a slow pace

Current sprint sharpness


Less emphasis than usual should be placed on outright finishing sectionals because this may become a sprint from the two-furlong marker rather than a true stamina test.

Main Pace Angles

Silver Wraith should get an ideal tactical setup and is likely to race handily.

Moe’s Legacy can also sit close to the pace.

Toolatetonegotiate has a hold-up tendency relative to this field and may need gaps at the right time if the race develops into a sprint finish.

Seraphim Angel could be ridden more positively under Rossa Ryan.


Strongest Contenders

SILVER WRAITH – 8.5/10 p
Progressive mare who looks ideally suited by conditions. Already a dual C&D winner and arrives chasing a hat-trick after edging out Moe’s Legacy here last month. Bath form is particularly valuable because not all sprinters handle the track’s gradients and rhythm, but she clearly does.

The key positive is tactical suitability. In a weakly-run race she is likely to secure a prominent pitch and dictate matters from a good position. Up only 2 lb for the latest success and still looks fairly treated. Emma Lavelle’s excellent one-runner-at-the-meeting stat is also noteworthy.

She is proven, progressive and tactically favoured.

MOE’S LEGACY – 8/10
Reliable Bath specialist with three C&D wins and another excellent effort when narrowly denied by Silver Wraith last time. Strong track suitability and consistency are major positives.

However, there is a suspicion she may once again find Silver Wraith slightly better treated at the weights and tactically better positioned if the pace steadies. Still, she is highly likely to run her race again.

One of the more solid “proven” profiles in the field.

CUBAN LADY – 7/10 p
Interesting class dropper. Ran in a stronger Newmarket handicap on seasonal return and should strip fitter now. Her 6f form last season reads reasonably well in this grade.

The slight concern is tactical pace. She may not get the ideal setup if this becomes steadily run, and dropping from 6f to this sharp Bath test is not guaranteed to suit perfectly. Still possesses upside compared to some exposed rivals and remains capable of improvement.

A possible improver second-up this season. Market support would be significant.

TOOLATETONEGOTIATE – 6.5/10
Very consistent recent profile and arrives in form after several solid efforts, including a narrow Bath second over 5f. However, this extra yardage beyond the bare minimum 5f still leaves a small question mark.

The bigger issue is pace shape. In a race lacking tempo she may struggle if forced to come from slightly further back than the principals. More of a place contender than a win selection unless the pace unexpectedly lifts.

Interesting Outsiders

SERAPHIM ANGEL – 4.5/10
Well handicapped on old form and Rossa Ryan is a positive booking, especially if adopting aggressive tactics. However, current stable form figures are uninspiring and she has shown little in two starts for this yard.

Needs a major revival. The market would be informative.

QUEUE DOS – 3.5/10
Most effective on Wolverhampton AW and all four wins have come there. Turf record remains unconvincing and latest run over 7f looked inconclusive rather than encouraging. Return to sprinting helps but this setup may not.

Likely pace disadvantage if unable to hold position early.

Suitability Summary

Best track suitability: Silver Wraith, Moe’s Legacy

Best tactical setup: Silver Wraith

Most likely improver: Cuban Lady p

Strongest proven Bath profile: Moe’s Legacy

Potential pace disadvantage: Toolatetonegotiate


Private Tissue

Silver Wraith — 2/1

Moe’s Legacy — 3/1

Cuban Lady — 9/2

Toolatetonegotiate — 5/1

Seraphim Angel — 12/1

Queue Dos — 16/1


Smart Play Silver Wraith looks the most solid combination of proven Bath form, tactical suitability, current progression and handicap positioning. The likely race shape enhances her chance further.

Top Bets

1. Silver Wraith – Win


2. Cuban Lady – Saver/place angle if market strength appears late



No each-way recommendation due to the six-runner field.