![](https://myracing.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/RP_ID00435588-scaled-e1675611330494.jpg)
This is a sprint over an extended 5 furlongs, see our betting tips and the full race preview below.
IN SUMMARY: John O’Shea’s SWENDAB makes his 103rd start today but he can take advantage here and score off a fair mark. He recorded a victory at Kempton in March and although higher in the weights today, he’s now in the right grade and Ben Robinson’s valuable 7lbs claim makes him the value of the race. Powerful Dream was running a big race here just nine days ago when hampered and unseating her rider, a repeat performance here should see her go close. The Big Lad is another danger now dropping in grade having finished third in Class 4 company just 5 days ago.
1 THE BIG LAD – Has found some renewed success having been switched to the minimum distance and he recorded two victories over the winter on the All-Weather. He continues to run well and was only beaten by 1 1/4 lengths at Lingfield 5 days ago in a stronger race than this. He shoulders joint top weight here but the 7lb claim of Nicola Currie continues to aid him and he can’t be ruled out now back down in grade. The eye-shield is removed today.
2 FREDRICKA (Non-Runner) – Makes a quick reappearance today having been beaten half a length at Chelmsford on Monday in a better race than this. He can be forgiven for a poor effort in Listed company given he was way out of his grade and his form figures of 22103 make for good reading since arriving at this stable. He should go well again now facing weaker company but he carries a big weight and he’s not had much rest.
3 VINCENTTI – Won a Class 4 handicap over 6 furlongs at Chepstow last September by half a length. That came off a 2lb lower mark and David Egan takes off 7lbs which leaves him well-in on today’s terms although his form needs improvement. He will need every yard of this trip and is vulnerable to a couple of less exposed runners but his trainer has been in good form (2 winners from his last 9 runners) and he will be dangerous here if there’s a strong pace on.
4 CLASSIC PURSUIT – Got off the mark for his new connections at Chelmsford just over a week ago by the slimmest of margins. He returns to the turf here with a 6lb penalty and he’s likely to be seen to better effect on this surface based on his action and how he has raced to date. This extra half a furlong should suit him and he can build on his latest success with a good run here with the blinkers kept on. The yard have sent out just one winner from 17 runners here.
5 POWERFUL DREAM – Has been on the go since early November and she remains on a mark of 68 having unseated her rider at Bath earlier this month. She would have finished up with the leaders had it not been for that incident and the booking of David Probert catches the eye for this stable. She’s a game filly with a lovely attitude and comes here with a good chance.
6 CHETAN – Back down to his last winning mark having completed a treble in Class 6 company last summer. Those victories all came over 6 furlongs and he will need every yard of this trip to be seen to best effect but he’s shown more than enough of late to suggest he’s capable of scoring in this grade. The stable have sent out one winner from their last 7 runners and others make slightly more appeal today.
7 SWENDAB – Remains on a fair mark following some much improved form since early March. He stayed on to win a Class 6 handicap in March when well supported and he ran well over 5 furlongs at Bath earlier this month. He’s turned out quickly following a 2-length defeat at Chepstow just 5 days ago and the 7lb claim of Ben Robinson leaves him on a nice effective mark. He makes his 103rd start today and he continues to run to a consistent level.
8 HARRISON STICKLE – Lightly-raced 5yo making just his seventh career start today. He won a C&D handicap off a mark of 62 in September 2015 which came as a small surprise having been sent off 11/1 and he arrives here off a 2lb higher mark. He was well-beaten over 6 furlongs at Windsor last May and he hasn’t been seen since so he’s clearly had his issues. He’s best watched here today off just one pound lower. The market should guide best.