7.22 Kempton – Full Race Profile and Analysis
This is a nine-runner Class 4 3yo handicap over 7f on Kempton’s Polytrack, a surface that demands tactical positioning, fluency through the bends, and the ability to sustain effort off an often measured gallop. Draws on the inside are generally advantageous here, particularly for runners looking to race handily. There’s no obvious trailblazer in the field, but several horses have shown a tendency to press or control tempo, suggesting a fairly-run race shaped by tactical nous and rhythm rather than brute stamina.
Force And Valour – Drawn 2, OR 87
George Scott’s colt arrives with the highest official mark in the field but does not appear to be ahead of it. He was well held last time at Chester over 6f on turf after a winter campaign in Meydan, where his form was solid but not overly progressive. He steps back up to 7f now on Polytrack for the first time, which could help, as he was tapped for pace on reappearance. His prior all-weather form includes a win at Chelmsford over 6f, but his sole run at 7f saw him finish second in a novice event, giving the impression this trip is his ceiling rather than a zone of progression. His current PR of 81 confirms that he’s running to a level slightly below his mark of 87. He’ll likely adopt a handy position from stall 2, but as things stand, he looks exposed and vulnerable to less exposed improvers.
Searchingtheblues – Drawn 7, OR 82
This filly holds decent surface and trip stats at first glance, including a course-and-distance win in a novice back in January. However, she has been soundly beaten in both her handicap starts since then, including when finishing eleventh here earlier this month over this same track and trip. While her PR sits at 85, this was accrued in lower-grade conditions races where she was allowed to dominate small fields. In handicaps, she’s looked one-paced and unable to find an extra gear under pressure. With a low pace rating and no sign of tactical aggression, she is likely to be dictated to rather than dictating, which makes her opposable despite the numbers on paper.
Binhareer – Drawn 9, OR 81
A typically unexposed 3yo from the Haggas yard, Binhareer returns from a 204-day break after three starts as a juvenile. He was sent off favourite when last seen in a novice at Redcar but pulled hard and faded to finish fourth. That followed a decisive 7f win at Thirsk on good ground. This will be his all-weather debut and first run in a handicap. His PR of 83 suggests he has run to a mark roughly in line with his opening official rating of 81, but his scope for improvement is far greater than most in this field. The wide draw is far from ideal, particularly for a horse who has shown a tendency to race freely, but with Marquand aboard and the Haggas yard in form, he commands respect as a possible upward mover. There is a question of sharpness off the break and how he handles this tighter, synthetic surface, but he’s in the right race to find out.
Tremolo – Drawn 8, OR 80
Tremolo returns to 7f after struggling over a mile at Ascot where he weakened out of contention. His all-weather form is solid, having won a novice at Wolverhampton over today’s trip, and that may represent his optimal scenario: a sharp seven furlongs where he can settle into a rhythm. However, his PR of 82 aligns closely with his mark, offering little evidence that he is better than this grade. He’s not badly drawn but offers no clear tactical advantage either. He should run better here than he did at Ascot, but he lacks the profile of a horse about to leap forward. A run-on type who may grab a place if things collapse up front, but others carry more purpose.
Leadenhall Street – Drawn 3, OR 80
This gelding has been tried on turf and the all-weather, and the evidence strongly suggests he’s much better on synthetic surfaces. His best career run came in a 6f handicap at Chelmsford in March, and while he was well beaten on turf since, that form can be ignored. He’s well drawn in stall 3 and comes here off a mark that is fair relative to his prior performances on AW. However, his stamina for 7f is unproven, and he’s yet to win beyond six furlongs. His PR of 79 reflects a horse that runs to his mark rather than above it. If allowed to settle and track the pace, he could run respectably, but he doesn’t look like one with much wriggle room in handicaps.
Blue Rc – Drawn 6, OR 80
This son of Blue Point made a winning debut on Polytrack over 6f, showing pace and balance. He backed that up with a fair effort at Doncaster on turf, again shaping like a horse with tactical ability but needing experience. He now steps up to 7f on his handicap debut and remains in a hood. His PR of 80 is already matching his opening mark, and there is clearly scope for improvement. His pedigree suggests he will stay 7f, and this looks a very logical assignment. The draw is workable, the setup should suit, and he is tactically versatile. With natural progression expected, he is one of the stronger options among those stepping into handicaps for the first time.
Zabeel Road – Drawn 4, OR 80
This horse ran better than the bare result suggested when fourth on his return at Lingfield over 7f on turf. That was his first run since October and his first at the trip. He’s bred to go further in time but looks well suited by the track and trip here, and Saffie Osborne is a significant booking. His PR of 82 is credible, and he’s likely to come on physically and mentally for that reappearance. He’s yet to race on the all-weather, but nothing in his action or profile suggests it will be a problem. From stall 4, he’s in a good position to track the pace and get involved. One of the more interesting ones at a price.
Critical Aclaim – Drawn 5, OR 79
This is a likeable, well-progressed colt from the Richard Hughes yard who got off the mark at Brighton on turf last time, having placed three times on AW before that. He has consistently run to a high level for the grade and now tackles a handicap for the first time off a mark of 79. He has a high pace rating and has been well positioned in all his races, travelling powerfully. The addition of cheekpieces and a 5lb claimer suggest connections are aiming to find immediate improvement, and the balance of his form on Polytrack (placed both runs) reads very well. His PR of 83 confirms that he’s been operating above his mark, and this setup gives him a major opportunity to confirm that progression. He is tactically well drawn and should be able to settle in behind the pace and quicken.
Spirit Lead Me – Drawn 1, OR 79
Now returning from a break, this colt was last seen finishing sixth in a seven-furlong handicap at Lingfield in March, fading late. His prior form on AW includes a win over course and distance in a lower-grade contest, but since then he’s failed to make a serious impact. His PR of 69 puts him comfortably below the level needed to win a race like this, and even with the benefit of stall 1, he’s difficult to recommend given recent efforts. Needs to improve significantly on what he’s shown to date.
Shortlist
1. Critical Aclaim
PR 83 vs OR 79 – well handicapped and progressive.
Strong pace rating (9), cheekpieces applied, well drawn.
Consistent placer on AW and now a winner on turf. Looks ready to peak on handicap debut.
2. Blue Rc
PR 80 = OR 80, with scope to step forward.
Debut win on Polytrack showed balance and tactical speed.
Lightly raced and bred to improve at 7f. Trainer often sharp with this profile.
3. Binhareer
PR 83 vs OR 81, potential class angle.
Lightly raced with a solid novice win over 7f; strong backend juvenile.
Needs to overcome wide draw and 204-day layoff, but has standout raw ability.
