Bath - Wed 15 Jul 2026
Early Release likes to get his own way on the front end and has a decent chance of notching back-to-back C&D wins. However, a 3lb rise makes things tougher and another personal best is required off his current mark. Contrastingly, SAFARI DREAM, a fellow front-runner, is well handicapped and looks worth a punt on these terms, with Charlie Tucker's 7lb claim a notable asset. Saucy Jane is another strong contender after winning at Thirsk last time.
BELLATINA is interesting back in a maiden after showing improvement on her last two starts. A clear pace angle, the daughter of Belardo could be hard to reel in if she manages to slip the field early. Sayidah Ardad sets the standard on the official ratings and commands respect on that basis, while Space Dreamer wasn't beaten far on debut at Windsor and is one to monitor in the betting now she has experience to draw upon.
The three last-time-out winners look the ones to focus on, with DARKENED EDGE marginally preferred with her bid to follow up. After a confidence boosting classified stakes win at Chepstow, this previous C&D winner is back in a handicap off competitive rating and has a good chance of containing Little Miss Magic and Secret Handsheikh. It's also worth considering Symbol of Hope, who is a seven-time course winner with a reasonable chance on these terms.
CAMPEONA took a big step forward when filling second place on her handicap debut over an extended 1m3f here at the beginning of the month. With further improvement likely now stepped up further in trip, the three-year-old could be hard to beat. Endofastorm also hit the crossbar at this venue on her most recent outing and could prove to be the main threat, ahead of Man Of The Sea.
MAN IS KING has already won at Bath three times this year and it would be no surprise to see the seven-year-old bounce back to form now returned to this venue just 1lb higher than his last winning mark. That said, Yokkell has been running well in defeat of late and should not be underestimated, while similar comments apply to Jimmy Mark.
WESTON COURT was only narrowly denied when second over 7f at Chepstow a week ago and the five-year-old makes plenty of appeal off just a 1lb higher rating. The unexposed Thai Princess may find some improvement now stepped up to a mile for the first time, while Havana Club edges out My Ambition and Blue Hero to be best of the rest.
This can go to REALITY QUEEN, who was back to winning ways here last time - both wins have now come over this C&D - and looks capable of further progress still off a little higher mark. Early Release, another last-time-out C&D winner, should go well also and rates the danger off 3lb higher. Grey Horizon is third choice having returned to form when runner-up at Chepstow latest.
BELLATINA rates the most likely winner of this weak maiden. Runner-up the last twice, including at Catterick in a handicap last time, she just about sets the standard here. Space Dreamer showed ability on her Windsor debut and is entited to improve, making her the danger, although Last Dandelion's June third at Lingfield reads well enough looking at this race.
Little Miss Magic returned to winning ways in a classified event at Lingfield last time but her mark has increased a fair bit for this return to handicaps and it's DARKENED EDGE who is favoured. She's also coming off a classified win but is on a fair mark for this return to handicaps and has conditions to suit. Symbol Of Hope is best of the rest but needs more than of late.
This really ought to go to the 3yo filly CAMPEONA, who showed much-improved form on her handicap/seasonal debut up to 12f at the course and, as a relation to two seperate winners over at least 14f, she ought to relish the increased stamina test now. She holds multiple entries over the next week and is clearly expected to get off the mark here. Endofastorm, runner-up over shorter here last time, looks the main danger but isn't open to the same improvement as the selection. Man Of The Sea is third choice but has a bit to find.
A better run from last year's winner Offiah's Boy wouldn't shock, but he's passed over in favour of HOPE RISING, who has done really well over hurdles since last seen on the Flat and could be on a favourable mark here. Her most recent hurdles run was a little worrying, when she all but refused, but that shouldn't detract from her overall body of work. Jimmy Mark is on a fair mark and comes in as best of the remainder.
Blue Hero, back to his best dropped into a classified event over C&D last time, has been nudged up a couple of pounds for this return to handicaps but should go well. It's worth taking a chance on the 3yo THAI PRINCESS, though, with her seemingly in need of the run last time following a wind operation. She'd run well when fourth at 50-1 in a Wolverhampton maiden the time before and must have a chance on that. Weston Court, back to form when runner-up at Chepstow last time, comes in as third choice.
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