5:01 Chepstow
This Class 5 handicap over 1m2f at Chepstow on good to firm ground brings together six modest performers for the 2026 centenary celebrations. The KTB Fit ratings are tightly bunched between 53 and 42, reflecting a race where recent form, course experience and the drop or step in class will be key. Pride Of Nepal tops the KTB figures having won seven times already this year, while the remainder have shown little more than ordinary form at best.
How the race shapes up
The pace shape lacks an obvious leader and points to a steadily-run, tactical contest in which being handy should pay. With every horse in the field usually held up and producing its effort late, the early fractions are likely to be modest. The key question is whether the race will develop enough pace for those coming from the rear to land their challenges, or whether those able to creep closer to the speed will hold the advantage.
The KTB Fit ranking
- 1Pride Of Nepal KTB Selection53/100Modest performer who has won seven times this year and arrives in top form.
- 2Annexation50/100Annexation is a limited performer who has been around a long time and shown ordinary form at best this year.
- 3Dancingondiamonds50/100Modest performer who has shown steady rather than sparkling form in three starts this year.
- 4Stipulation44/100Modest performer who has been running to a similar level all year without winning.
- 5Crimson Road43/100Modest performer who won over this trip at Chepstow on his only previous visit here.
- 6Symphony's Song42/100Modest performer who has shown nothing better than fair form in five runs.
The contenders
Pride Of Nepal KTB Fit 53/100
Pride Of Nepal is a modest performer who has won seven times this year and arrives in top form. He has course experience in his favour having won his only start here and has a solid record on good to firm ground with four wins from 16 starts. Dropping back from 1m4f to a trip he has won over four times from 21 starts looks a sensible move. Usually held up and producing his effort late, he should be well suited by the way this steadily-run affair is expected to unfold. Tony Carroll has an 8% strike rate at Chepstow from 732 runs while the 7lb claimer Donagh Murphy is yet to score from four rides at the track.
Annexation KTB Fit 50/100
Annexation is a limited performer who has been around a long time and shown ordinary form at best this year. He does have a win on good to firm and three wins from 27 starts at this trip so the conditions are not against him. This is his first run at Chepstow where the trainer operates at an 8% strike rate from 732 runs. Usually held up and producing his effort late, he will need the steadily-run race to develop in his favour. Molly Gunn, who has a 17% strike rate at the track from six rides, takes the mount as the yard steps him up in class.
Dancingondiamonds KTB Fit 50/100
Dancingondiamonds is a modest performer who has shown steady rather than sparkling form in three starts this year. Olly Murphy has a solid 15% strike rate at Chepstow from 110 runs while the 5lb claimer Hugh Horgan adds value. The trip looks a fresh question having failed to trouble the judge on his only previous attempt at 1m2f. Usually held up and producing his effort late, he will be hoping the tactical nature of the race allows him to close home effectively. He is dropping in class having shown nothing better than fair form to date.
Stipulation KTB Fit 44/100
Stipulation is a modest performer who has been running to a similar level all year without winning. He has won on good to firm and at today's trip, but his recent efforts have been ordinary and the first-time headgear is now needed. Trainer Mark Loughnane has a 7% strike rate from 118 runs at Chepstow while George Wood is riding here for the first time. Usually held up and producing his effort late, he will need the steadily-run affair to play to his strengths. He steps up in class off the back of ordinary recent form.
The rest of the field
Crimson RoadKTB Fit 43/100
Crimson Road is a modest performer who won over this trip at Chepstow on his only previous visit here. He showed his best this year when taking a similar race last time and has a solid record on good to firm with three wins from 11 starts. Usually held up and producing his effort late, the trainer continues in decent form at the track with an above average 16% strike rate from 68 runs.
Symphony's SongKTB Fit 42/100
Symphony's Song is a modest performer who has shown nothing better than fair form in five runs. Finished a solid third at this track last time but has failed to land a blow at this trip on his only attempt. Usually held up and producing his effort late, the trainer has a 9% strike rate here from 260 runs while the 3lb claimer is making his course debut.
KTB verdict
Pride Of Nepal looks the most solid proposition. He has already won seven times this year, boasts a perfect one-from-one record at Chepstow and is dropping to a distance he has exploited successfully four times. The steadily-run race should suit his held-up style. His main dangers are likely to be Crimson Road, who won over the course and distance on his only previous visit and arrives off a recent win, and Annexation, who has the benefit of a strong jockey booking at the venue despite his modest level.
KTB Selection Pride Of Nepal
This is the narrative read of the 5:01 Chepstow. For the live card — runner-by-runner stats, the full Fit Score breakdown and current odds — see the Chepstow racecard. New here? How KTB works explains the Fit Score and why we publish both.
Questions about this race
Which horse has won seven times already this season?
Pride Of Nepal
How many wins has Pride Of Nepal recorded at today's trip?
Four wins from 21 starts
Which runner is wearing first-time headgear?
Stipulation
Who has the highest strike rate at Chepstow among the trainers in this race?
John & Rhys Flint with 16% from 68 runs
Which horse has course-and-distance winning form on its only previous visit to Chepstow?
Crimson Road
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