Listed Race, 4yo+ fillies & mares, 1m2f100y, good to soft, 9 runners

This looks a proper Listed test: 1m2½f on good to soft should put emphasis on class, stamina and the ability to quicken after travelling. With 9 runners, each-way angles are valid.

Pace should be honest rather than frantic. Sparks Fly may race prominently, while Noche Clasica and Sand Gazelle should be well placed if breaking cleanly. Hold-up types may need luck if the race becomes tactical. Draw is not a major factor over this trip at Haydock, but low-to-middle can be useful if the pace is even.

Main contenders

Friendly Soul is the class act, a Group 1 Prix de l’Opera winner with an RPR of 118 and proven very soft-ground form. The issue is a long absence since October 2024, so market strength or weakness matters.

Wemightakedlongway has strong Group 1 form, including second in the Irish Oaks and fourth in the Prix de l’Opera. Her Cork reappearance was poor, but first-time cheekpieces could sharpen her up.

Noche Clasica is the progressive one. She won well on reappearance at Musselburgh and shaped as though 1m2f could suit. This is a class rise, but she still looks on the upgrade.

Sand Gazelle is interesting away from Newmarket. Her York Listed win and Curragh Group 3 second read well, and first-time cheekpieces could help.

Runner marks

Friendly Soul – 9/10
Top-class form, handles soft, trip ideal. Major layoff is the only concern.

Wemightakedlongway – 8/10
Strongest recent Group 1 profile, but must bounce back from a poor return. Cheekpieces first time.

Noche Clasica p – 8/10
Progressive, race-fit, unexposed at this trip and won on good to soft. Clear player.

Sand Gazelle p – 7/10
Good Listed/Group 3 form and possible excuse at Newmarket. Cheekpieces may unlock more.

Sparks Fly – 7/10
Tough, classy and race-fit, but 5lb penalty and stamina at this trip are concerns.

Revoir – 6.5/10
Consistent in Listed/Group 3 company last year, but needs to return in good order.

Dreamasar P – 6/10
Lightly raced and promising, but this is a sharp rise from handicap level and slow ground is unknown.

Consecrated P – 5.5/10
Lightly raced, well bred and with a top yard, but has form to find.

Cheshire Dancer p – 5/10
Capable on peak form, but poor reappearance and unproven slow ground are negatives.

Private tissue estimate

Friendly Soul 5/2
Noche Clasica 4/1
Wemightakedlongway 9/2
Sand Gazelle 8/1
Sparks Fly 9/1
Revoir 10/1
Dreamasar 14/1
Consecrated 18/1
Cheshire Dancer 22/1

Smart Play

Top win bet: Noche Clasica – progressive, fit, suited by trip, and may still be improving.
Saver/each-way angle: Sand Gazelle – capable of bouncing back away from Newmarket, with first-time cheekpieces a possible positive.