4:22 Leicester Tips

Was a great run back at Doncaster to finish 3rd that day. If he shows the same level of form and drops in class to a Class 5, then he may well be the one to beat. Also like This Farh each way. See notes.

Brunel Nation is an interesting runner here, with first-time cheekpieces applied and, as a 5YO, still open to further improvement. His best recent effort came at Lingfield on the all-weather, where he finished 2nd in a Class 4 handicap over 7f off 75, beaten just a neck in a 0??'85 ??' a run that suggests he remains competitively treated. He didn’t run on turf last season, which raises a slight question. That absence has contributed to a drop in his mark from around 83 to 75. Looking back, he ended 2024 with a solid effort at Newmarket, finishing 2nd in a Class 4 handicap over 7f on good to firm off 80, beaten a neck. Prior to that, he was 3rd in a Class 3 at the same track off 82, again over 7f, showing he can be competitive at a higher level. Now running off 75, with Donagh Murphy claiming 7 lb, he looks well handicapped on his best form. If the cheekpieces bring out a bit more and he returns to his previous turf level, he could have a big say here.

2nd run for the Blake team and back to the scene of his claimer win last season. 1 lb lower than a good 5th on Lincoln Weekend at Doncaster on debut for this yard. Shaping like he would strip fitter next time.

The Farh has been running on the all-weather over the winter without really threatening, but that has led to a drop in the weights from 77 (July 2025) to a mark of 69 here. His turf form offers more encouragement. On his last run on grass, he finished 3rd at Chester over 7½f on good ground in a Class 4 handicap, beaten just ¾ length by Miami Matrix, now rated 86 ??' strong form for this level. He also ran well over course and distance at Leicester in a Class 5 off 77 on good to firm (conditions similar to today), beaten 3 lengths, with the winner Carron now rated 86. He gained his last success at Lingfield in a Class 5 (0??'75) on good ground, winning by 2¼ lengths off 69 after a short break, showing he can be effective fresh and at this level. Now back on turf, in suitable conditions, and off a workable mark of 69, this 4YO looks well placed. With stronger turf form than many of these, he stands out as a leading contender.