5:25 - 12 Runner Handicap Over 1m2f
Chelmsford is another course where pace plays a major role, with horses who lead holding a +1.79 IV, showing they perform better than those ridden in prominent or held-up positions. This race has a few notable pace angles, including Oyamal, Cryptos Dream, Global Resolve, and Foinix, all of whom could set or contest the early fractions.
Oyamal
Has one CD run, where he led and finished third, beaten by 1.3 lengths. It suited him well that day, but he’s yet to win in 12 career starts and looks quite limited overall.
Cryptos Dream
A much more intriguing contender. He’s won 6 times from 39 runs, 3 of those wins over this distance. He’s 1 from 3 at the course, but his two defeats here were at this distance, which is slightly concerning. His CD run behind Stintino Sunset was decent, and he’s now slipped 8lb below that mark, making him look well handicapped.
Global Resolve
A maiden with just one career place to his name, but that was a promising effort over CD when he finished behind River Alwen. Since then, however, he’s disappointed at Lingfield, Southwell, and even over hurdles at Fakenham. A return to CD might reignite improvement, but it’s far from certain.
Foinix
A multiple winner with form over course and distance. His yard’s runners often attract market interest, which will likely be key here. Jockey Joe Leavy brings an impressive record for the yard, with 3 wins and 3 places from 11 rides—a notable angle.
Stintino Sunset
Top weight and one to watch. He’s had two CD runs, winning off 1lb lower in the same race where Cryptos Dream finished behind him. Held up that day, he came through with a strong finish. His subsequent fifth-place finish wasn’t as convincing, but he’s now back on a winnable mark and holds plenty of appeal.
It’s Tim
The current favorite but a lightly raced maiden. Coming from a decent yard, he’s not shown much to suggest he’s up to this level yet.
Hijo De La Luna
Support in the market stems from his solid Newcastle run nine days ago. However, he’s a 20-race maiden, and there’s little evidence he’ll break his duck here.
Night Arc
Last won in 2023 but brings at least some winning form to the table. He ran well at Wolverhampton 22 days ago and has 1 win from 3 over this trip. This will be his first course start, so his running style and positioning will be interesting. Normally held up, he’s been eye-catching in his last two starts and drops to a competitive mark—he’s a danger to all.
A messy and unpredictable contest, but that creates potential value in the market. For me, the standouts are Cryptos Dream at 11/1 and Stintino Sunset at 16/1—both horses with proven form and experience at this level.
