Stratford — 25 August 2026

Class 4 · 2m2f148y · Good To Firm · 8 ran

We passed. Likely winner: Diamond Grace (9/4)

Won by: Guts And Glory (GB) at 4/1 · then Steal A Glance (GB), Letmeseethecolts (GB)

What we said: Diamond Grace and Letmeseethecolts are both bet down to 9/4 with identical odds implying near-identical chances, and Guts And Glory's higher rating and improving placed form (F225-) after a long absence keeps three runners in genuine contention with nothing at the prices splitting them; Diamond Grace's improving line (3rd, 2nd) is the shade I'd lean on but the market has already erased any edge in backing her over the second favourite.

Class 5 · 2m6f7y · Good To Firm · 8 ran

We passed. Likely winner: French Diablo (5/4)

Won by: Delgany Second Now (GB) at 15/2 · then Captain Connor (FR), Brionywells (GB)

What we said: French Diablo sits at 5/4 having come in from odds-drifting rivals, but his form line 68-P31 shows a recent fall and inconsistent jumping at just 4yo over this longer 2m6f trip, and at that price there's no room for the case to pay even if he wins most times; Delgany Second Now is the one with genuine appeal on strong hurdles form (5-775) but the overnight market has already moved hard in his favour and the concession in weight to the top-rated types leaves this a legitimate coin-flip between two, not a bet. Neither the short-priced favourite nor the market mover gives me the standout case I need in a small, oddly-shaped novices handicap.

Class 4 · 2m0f213y · Good To Firm · 4 ran

Not a bet. The horse we made most likely: Beorma (4/9)

Won by: Duke Of Luckley (IRE) at 5/1

What we said: Six straight wins and a jockey/trainer combination that's booked in over 6,000 runs together, with Harry Skelton boasting a 24% strike rate at this course and Dan Skelton 22%, gives this the clear form and local expertise edge in a tiny four-runner field. The unbroken sequence of victories built the rating gradually rather than through one big performance, which is the more durable kind of form to carry into a step up against rivals who are all closer to 120+ ratings than hers.

Class 5 · 2m2f148y · Good To Firm · 8 ran

Our bet: Getmyfriend (7/4)

Won by: Mi Sueno (IRE) at 11/8F · then Dream Jet (IRE), Juggernaut (FR)

What we said: Won last time out and sits on a career-high PR107, the best form figure in this line-up, and both Harry Skelton and the Dan Skelton yard have strong course strike-rates (24% and 22%) backing up that claim. The mare's 3-1431 sequence shows she's peaking now over this trip, and the step up in class hasn't stopped her finishing on top last time.

Class 5 · 2m4f205y · Good To Firm · 8 ran

We passed. Likely winner: Jack Doyen (3/1)

Won by: Youdecide (IRE) at 1/1F · then Pescatorius (IRE), Watchoutitscookie (IRE)

What we said: Three horses have legitimate claims and none clears the bar: Youdecide sits favourite on class but its last six starts read F444P-, hardly the profile you back at odds-on-ish prices without a fresh angle; Jack Doyen's 311-21 form is the sharpest in the race but he's back from 98 days off (the one genuine caution band) and his trainer is 6% at this course; Bobbarelli carries topweight, drifted 50% overnight and shows the bookie-above-exchange flag, both real red flags rather than green ones.

Class 5 · 2m0f70y · Good To Firm · 9 ran

Our bet: Roccana Rose (7/4)

Won by: Goliath Power (FR) at 9/4F · then Roccana Rose (GB), Talladale (GB)

What we said: Turns up as a clear class above this field on last-time form (4th) with the strongest recent figure among the confirmed form-runners, and a mare stepping up in a shallow bumper often has the scope to dominate. She's drawn a straightforward test on quick ground she should handle, with no obvious traffic or pace concerns in a small nine-runner field.