This ten-runner handicap presents a competitive but exposed Class 6 field, where pace shape and track suitability are likely to define the result. The going is good to firm, stalls are positioned outside, and the course is left-handed. The average official rating is 60.

Tactical Shape

The presence of multiple forward-goers — notably Versatile, Pomme Pomme, and Fighting Queen — ensures there will be no hanging about early. This should produce a truly run race, with early tempo pressuring any runner overly reliant on a soft lead. Midfield travellers with a turn of foot or strong-staying types who can settle close to the pace are likely to be favoured. This is not a contest for deep closers or hold-up horses in need of a collapse.

Leading Contenders

Versatile
Proven over course and distance, he made all on similar ground two starts ago off a 2lb lower mark. The time was moderate but he recorded the fastest final 4f sectionals under pressure and saw off multiple challengers, suggesting more than just an uncontested lead. The tactical setup today again suits — he can race prominently without needing the lead, and his effort after a wind operation reads as credible. Likely to run to form.

Pomme Pomme
Three wins on the bounce and unbeaten at 10f. Most recently dictated and quickened from the front at Chepstow, but that race fell apart behind her. Her sectional profile shows a solo gallop and zero pressure until after the two-furlong pole. The shape here is significantly more testing; she’s unlikely to control the fractions and hasn’t yet shown she can dig in when challenged. Vulnerable to anything with tactical versatility.

Twilight Moon
Consistent rather than progressive. Stayed on into third behind Pomme Pomme last time after racing midfield. The stronger gallop today should help, and she has hinted that 10f is her trip. Still winless, and unlikely to find much improvement, but tactically better suited than several others.

Fighting Queen
Bath specialist who won gamely over a mile here in May but has limitations at 10f when the tempo is sustained. Her recent runs show early keenness and flattening late — she remains on a mark where she must get a soft trip to be effective. Not ruled out entirely on course form, but she will be stretched late if this develops into a stamina test.

Others

Pave The Way has regressed sharply and appears to have attitude issues.
Grand Harbour and Rebel Cove are both uncompetitive on form.
Aroof has failed to make an impact despite multiple opportunities and lacks a finish.
Carp Kid is consistent but lacks tactical speed at this trip and may not have the tools to react to an injection of pace off the turn.

Conclusion

The pace map points to an honest gallop with no hiding place. That puts the focus on race-readiness, positional adaptability, and proven ability to perform under pressure at the trip.

Most suitable under today’s race terms:

• Versatile – tactically fluent, proven under similar conditions

• Twilight Moon – consistent, likely pace shape to suit

• Fighting Queen – minor place claims based on course form