'He's 2lb well in and is improving' - who fancies their chances as sprinters reoppose from Craven meeting?

There is a corresponding race to this one held at the Craven meeting. The first three from 18 days ago, More Thunder, Aramram and Woodhay Wonder, are prominent in the betting again. There are shades of 2023, when the 2-3-4 from the Craven race finished 1-2-4 in this.

More Thunder is understandably favourite, not only because of the '1' in his form. He was 10-1 that day on his debut for William Haggas, having dropped significantly from the trips he raced over for Sir Michael Stoute. Two furlongs out, he was scrubbed along and not obviously improving from midfield. He hit the line a length and three-quarters in front, extending all the while.

His untapped potential hardly needs reiterating. Woodhay Wonder's does. She won twice on the Rowley Mile last spring, from Trefor (now rated 11lb higher) and then Completely Random (15lb higher). She then placed in good handicaps at Ascot, including the Holyroodhouse, before ending the season quietly as the ground eased.

This is the smallest field for this race since it became a heritage handicap in 2022. It is still deep. Ayr Gold Cup winner Lethal Levi is a pace angle, drawn right in the middle. Two Tribes and Run Boy Run have both been knocking on the door in valuable races. Purosangue was twice second in minor Pattern company last season. Between those, he was a heavily backed favourite for the Stewards' Cup.

For Purosangue, as well as the players from last month, the ground is worth considering. It was on the soft side at the Craven meeting, as it was for Purosangue's best runs last season. The ground here is set to be quicker than good. Woodhay Wonder has, last time aside, been pulled out every time conditions have leaned soft.

While the race at the Craven meeting is a natural trial, there are clear differences. They all point towards Woodhay Wonder making a race of it with More Thunder. The only thing more certain is this race having a bearing on other top sprint handicaps this season.
Race analysis by Keith Melrose

What they say

Karl Burke, trainer of Lethal Levi and Silky Wilkie
We were really pleased with Lethal Levi's run in the Abernant at the Craven meeting and he came out of it in great form. He's come on fitness-wise for it and he handles the track. Silky Wilkie has lost his form a bit, but we're giving him a go as it's a big pot.

Tom Ward, trainer of Woodhay Wonder
I was very pleased with her reappearance run last month on ground probably slower than ideal for her. I think back on quick ground and back at her favourite track will hopefully have her bang there again. She loves Newmarket and she's taken a nice step forward from last time.

Steve Brown, assistant to Julie Camacho, trainer of Indian Run
They described the ground as good to soft at the Craven meeting but I'd say it was softer than that. James [Doyle] felt that caught him out, and he was pleased with him. He felt he travelled into the race nicely. On better ground he thought it was definitely worth another look at him as a sprinter. He's come on a lot for his first run and we're really looking forward to seeing him again on quicker ground.

Richard Spencer, trainer of Run Boy Run and Two Tribes
Run Boy Run is 2lb well-in, he ran a solid race at Newcastle and he's improving. George Wood knows him well and he seems very happy, so hopefully he can run a big race. Two Tribes has all the ability in the world but he's a bit of a monkey. Silvestre de Sousa rode him before at York and he was a bit of an unlucky loser that day. He needs holding on to but I think now Silvestre knows him, it will help. He seems well too and runs well fresh, so they've both got chances.

William Haggas, trainer of More Thunder
The interesting thing will be whether or not he's effective on this ground. It was a bit wet when he ran at the Craven meeting, but this will be quicker ground. He's a nice horse and he's doing fine.

David O'Meara, trainer of Aberama Gold
Ideally he would like more juice in the ground, but he gets in with a nice light weight and has a good claimer on him.
Reporting by Liam Headd

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