Stratford
Today, July 1, 2025ChaseClass 42m3fGood Firm
Verdict
Verdict
THEONLYWAYISWESSEX arguably made his move too soon back from a four-month break at Warwick where he was overhauled by the eventual winner in the closing stages, the pair pulling well clear of the rest. Alan King's charge is taken to gain compensation here, with Midnight Jewel and chase debutant Man of The Sea feared most in that order of preference.
Theonlywayiswessex
Midnight Jewel
Man Of The Sea
Win or Each Way
Win or Each Way
Each Way terms: 1/5 odds for first 3 places
- 5. TheonlywayiswessexJ: Tom BellamyT: Alan KingF: 3143217-2
- Price History:
- 2.40
- Age:
- 7
- Weight:
- 12-0
- Gear:
- -
- Official Rating:
- 110
- Days Since Last Run:
- 27
VerdictVersatile performer who resumed winning ways in good style at Plumpton in December. Bad mistake early on proved costly at the same course next time, but his jumping was on point when runner-up at Warwick (2½m, good) last month and he's a strong candidate. - 6. Midnight JewelJ: Lilly PinchinT: Charlie LongsdonF: 314877-52
- Price History:
- 5.50
- Age:
- 9
- Weight:
- 11-11
- Gear:
- cheekpieces
- Official Rating:
- 107
- Days Since Last Run:
- 21
VerdictNotched fourth success over fences at Fontwell in September and, following a string of low-key displays, he bounced back with cheekpieces refitted when going down narrowly back at Fontwell (19.5f, good) 3 weeks ago. Reproduction of that effort will give him a serious chance. 
1. Magic SevenJ: Richie McLernonT: Jonjo & A.J. O'NeillF: 51306-324- Price History:
- 6.50
- Age:
- 7
- Weight:
- 12-2
- Gear:
- -
- Official Rating:
- 112
- Days Since Last Run:
- 18
VerdictScored over hurdles at Exeter in November and shaped well when second of 4 in handicap chase at Huntingdon (16.5f, good to firm) on chase debut in May. Failed to build on that next time, but he's probably worth chance in view of his Huntingdon effort.- 7. Man Of The SeaJ: Conor O'FarrellT: Neil MulhollandF: 12122-432
- Price History:
- 6.50
- Age:
- 9
- Weight:
- 11-7
- Gear:
- cheekpieces and tongue strap
- Official Rating:
- 103
- Days Since Last Run:
- 21
VerdictSuccessful 5 times over hurdles and notched twelfth win on the Flat at Bath in April. Placed on 3 of his 4 starts back hurdling since and, handed a fair mark for this chase debut, he could have a part to play here if his jumping passes the test. 
3. BallybeggJ: Richard PatrickT: Kerry LeeF: 387326-53- Price History:
- 9.00
- Age:
- 10
- Weight:
- 12-1
- Gear:
- blinkers
- Official Rating:
- 111
- Days Since Last Run:
- 18
VerdictRather in-and-out subsequent to breakthrough success in this sphere at Ludlow in January 2024, going close back there in March but has unsurprisingly failed to build on that on his next 3 starts. Opposable.
2. KaproyaleJ: Mr James KingT: Max ComleyF: 1125/164-- Price History:
- 13.00
- Age:
- 10
- Weight:
- 12-1
- Gear:
- tongue strap
- Official Rating:
- 111
- Days Since Last Run:
- 94
VerdictGained third hunter chase success when scoring at this course last May and, after 7 months off, shaped better than result on stable debut at Sedgefield on Boxing Day. Again wasn't disgraced following another break returned to hurdles back here in March, but he looks vulnerable all the same.
4. Imac WoodJ: Finn LambertT: Deborah ColeF: 1P/66136P-- Price History:
- 17.00
- Age:
- 7
- Weight:
- 12-1
- Gear:
- tongue strap
- Official Rating:
- 111
- Days Since Last Run:
- 210
VerdictResumed winning ways at Uttoxeter last summer, but little impact in 3 subsequent starts and while his strike rate in this sphere (6-15) is healthy, he's probably worth taking on back from a 7-month absence.
8. Wee Willie NailJ: Luke ScottT: Richard HarperF: PP/66- Price History:
- 51.00
- Age:
- 7
- Weight:
- 10-3
- Gear:
- -
- Official Rating:
- 85
- Days Since Last Run:
- 14
VerdictWon Gowran maiden on final start for Gordon Elliott in September 2022, but has offered little for present connections and it's easy enough to look elsewhere.- Unnamed Favourite
- Unnamed 2nd Favourite