4:15 Bath Tips

Has been running well over hurdles and returns to the flat here, running off the lowest handicap mark of his career.

Educator looks the selection here and could bounce back after a short freshen up, having been well beaten at Newcastle in February. Prior to that, he had been running consistently well, including a strong 3rd at Lingfield in a Class 4 handicap, beaten just 1¼ lengths off 73 in a competitive 0??'85. That form reads well, with the winner, Berkshire Sundance, now rated 96. He also finished 2nd at Kempton, beaten ¾ length and pulling 2½ lengths clear of a 75-rated rival ??' another solid effort. Earlier in his career, he has winning form on turf, including on good to firm ground off 77, suggesting today’s conditions should suit him well. The slight concern is his record at staying trips, as he is yet to win over 2 miles. However, his recent runs indicate he shapes as though this extra distance ??' around 2m1f ??' could bring out further improvement. Now running off 72 in a 0??'75, he looks fairly treated and, based on his recent consistency and suitable conditions, holds sound claims.

Bashful Boy looks to hold each-way claims based on his past form, despite some underwhelming recent runs. He’s proven over a variety of trips, having stayed 2M5½F over obstacles and won on the Flat over both 2M and 1M6F. Crucially, those wins came on good to firm ground, so conditions here should suit. There are concerns ??' he’s now 10 years old and hasn’t won since 2023 ??' but that has seen his mark drop significantly. Previously competitive off marks in the mid-80s, including in Class 2 handicaps, he now runs off just 66, which makes him look well treated. His run at Kempton when 3rd, beaten ¾L by the now 96-rated Berkshire Sundance, shows he still retains ability. A narrow defeat at Newbury on good to firm off 78 also reads well in this context. The switch back to blinkers could help sharpen him up. While vulnerable to more progressive types like Educator, this represents a decent opportunity if he can rediscover his best form.