Morse Code

PIERRE ROYAL had a great debut run and then followed that up with a win last time out. He's open to any amount of improvement and given his low handicap mark for his handicap debut he has to be a massive player in this.

I'm not sure that Ealhswith should be this price. This trainer has a decent strike rate in the last fortnight on the turf and with his 2-year-olds in the last 12 months. So I'm pretty hopeful this horse can get in the places.

This yard isn't particularly well known for its winners on the flat, but I always follow Territories as a sire in sprint events. Pam Sly has a 25% strike rate with her 3-year-olds, and I'm hoping that WRYDCROFT might sneak a place in this. Grey's Monument was a 116-rated horse, and he too was by Territories out of a mare whose sire was Teofilo. If this horse was anywhere near as good as that, he could well show very well in this contest.

TENOYA is a very interesting participant as she was entered previously but didn't run. She's very nicely bred and was a €45k breeze-up purchase, which says to me she must have shown plenty. Every right to run well today, and I'm hoping she can make the places.

TROPICAL RETREAT has a cracking chance in this race. Despite being pretty green, he still won a maiden at Dundalk last time. The trainer has had one 5f runner and one winner. Makes handicap debut today off what looks like an extremely lenient mark, and I wouldn't be surprised to see this horse winning today.

TENABILITY is a beautifully bred Frankel gelding. His dam's sire was Pivotal. Other horses by Frankel out of a Pivotal mare include the mighty Cracksman and Nashwa (albeit from slightly different bloodlines). That said, this horse is related to Tiaraqueen (7f), Penkenna Princess who won at Listed/Group 3 level over 7/8f, Mystery Ocean a winner over the minimum trip, and 5 other winners! He has a perfect mix of speed and stamina, and I'll be interested to see his progress. His trainer, William Haggas, has been in red-hot form, and his 3-year-olds have a great 23.47% SR. People may go with Tom Marquand, but Cieron Fallon and William Haggas are a slightly better combo in terms of strike rate. Add to that a 26.67% SR over the trip. May's strike rate is 23.53%. Place chances at least here.

BATTLE STRIDE looks very interesting in this race. Michael Bell has a decent strike rate at Bath and a super 30% SR in the last fortnight. This horse is untested on fast ground, but Michael is an experienced trainer and wouldn't run him if it wasn't suitable for him. This horse is a massive player.

I'm not just picking this horse because I love the name CHOCOLATE TRUFFLES, but also because this mare is by Soldier of Fortune, and he is one of my favourite sires in relation to Irish jumps racing. His progeny are very effective on this going, and the trip shouldn't be a problem here. Worth a small punt each way.

SQUADRON LEADER by a great sprinter in Mehmas. He won over slightly further (6f) at Group 1 level, so can easily get involved here. I know the market says Richard Hughes's runner should win, BUT when I checked Flatstats, I didn't find the results supported that theory. Archie Watson's record is definitely more convincing, and that's why I will be backing this horse each way.

LUMINARE was declared in another race not long ago before being declared a non-runner. I have no doubt that the trainer feels this is a much more appropriate starting point and have no hesitation, therefore, in recommending this horse in this race. She's in against her own sex today, and that could make it a bit more of an easier start. The stable's two-year-olds have been in decent form (2 wins and a place from 7 runs). The strike rate of runners for this yard in class 5 races is currently 23.91%, which I think is pretty smart. May has been a solid month so far for Ollie Sangster. Huge player.