It's hard to oppose CITY OF STRANGERS, who recorded a good time for the grade when winning a 15-runner Redcar handicap very comfortably last week and won't be stopped by a 6lb penalty if she's in the same form over this shorter trip. The other last-time-out winner, Barmyblade, has scope for further progress and is second choice, ahead of Wee Mary.[Chris Wilson]
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Displayed huge jolt of improvement on handicap debut at Redcar (6f, good to firm) last Monday, readily making all to win by 5l; needs to prove she's fully effective over 5f but looks very well treated under 6lb penalty.
Beat short-odds favourite in two-runner Newcastle novice (5f, AW) last month but that form is of little value and she was last of nine over that C&D when 100-1 for subsequent handicap debut.
11-race maiden who has became rather disappointing; that said, she kept on pretty well when third of seven at Wolverhampton (5f, AW) nine days ago and has each-way claims here.
Ex-Irish maiden who ran well from the front when second on seasonal/stable/handicap debut at Southwell (5f, AW) this month; never involved after blowing the start at Wolverhampton nine days ago but has possibilities if she breaks on terms.
Made the frame in his first two handicaps, more recently when third of seven at Newcastle (5f, AW) five weeks ago; 2lb lower for this turf return and considered each-way.
Unplaced all seven 2yo starts but ran on well to cause 33-1 surprise when back in action at Catterick (5f, good) this month, despite hanging left in closing stages; only 2lb higher here and further progress is possible.
Spoiled his chance by racing too freely in both nurseries last year but showed enough raw ability to suggest he can win at this level if/when he learns to settle better; gelded during 226-day break and is now hooded for the first time; not ruled out.
Seven-race maiden; has a more realistic chance now back in a handicap but her tendency to race too freely remains a concern and her record is not persuasive; fitted with eyeshields for first time.
Soundly beaten at triple-digit odds in three AW novice races at Newcastle (5f-6f; hooded) towards end of 2024; has lowly mark for this turf/handicap debut but still needs to take a big step forward.
1/5 Odds Place 1,2,3
( Pool guide displayed could change before the race starts & should be used as a guide only )
