Chepstow

A debut runner with no form to study, though the jockey-trainer combination has worked together twice before without a win, which is a small note of caution. Drawn in stall 2, this horse does benefit from one of the best positions on the track at Chepstow, where low draws have historically outperformed the rest of the field. At five years old, there has been plenty of time to prepare for this moment — whether that preparation shows is the only question.

Like every other runner here, Zizania Du Mazet has never raced before, so this field is remarkably level when it comes to form evidence — there simply isn't any. The jockey-trainer partnership has tried six times together without a winner, which is worth noting even if today is a fresh start. Drawn in stall 6 and wearing cheekpieces, this five-year-old is positioned in the mid-draw range, which is statistically the second-weakest bracket at Chepstow over this trip.

At nine years old, Aloof is the oldest horse in this field and the oldest debutant by some margin — racing for the very first time at an age when many horses have long since retired is genuinely extraordinary. The one standout fact is that Aloof carries the lowest weight in the race at 117lbs, a full 23lbs less than the top weight, which in theory gives this horse a significant physical advantage over rivals. The high draw in stall 8 is the least favourable position at Chepstow historically, winning only around 1 in 17 races over this course and distance.