3:18 Uttoxeter
This Class 3 novices' limited handicap steeplechase over 3m0f10y at Uttoxeter features a compact field of four. The KTB Fit ratings point to a competitive affair led by Sony Bill on 71, with Sunray Shadow and Samuel Spade both on 50 and La Pinsonniere also rated 50. With all four runners unproven on the prevailing ground and the pace shape unclear due to limited run-style evidence, the race poses several unknowns around trip, conditions and how the race will unfold.
How the race shapes up
The pace shape is unclear with low confidence, as there is not enough run-style data across the small field to form a reliable picture. Sunray Shadow is the only horse with a defined held-up profile, suggesting he will produce his effort late, while the others lack clear evidence of their preferred tactics. This leaves open the possibility of a steadily-run affair or one that develops into a test of stamina up the straight. The key question is whether the lack of established pace will play into the hands of those stepping up in trip or those with proven course form.
The KTB Fit ranking
- 1Sony Bill KTB Selection71/100High-class on ratings and with solid recent form including a good third here over shorter.
- 2Sunray Shadow56/100High-class performer who has won three of his last four starts and arrives in excellent order.
- 3Samuel Spade50/100Samuel Spade is a high-class performer on his best days with strong ratings and race history backing him up.
- 4La Pinsonniere50/100High-class performer who arrives in solid form having finished third in two strong handicaps this spring.
The contenders
Sony Bill KTB Fit 71/100
Sony Bill arrives with high-class ratings and solid recent form, including a good third here over shorter. The step up to 3m is an unknown that could suit or expose him, while the going also remains unproven. Trainer Faye Bramley brings a 22% strike rate at Uttoxeter with an A/E of 1.63 from nine runs, and the yard's overall record when teaming up with Harry Cobden reads 9/28 at 32% with an A/E of 1.11. Cobden himself has a 13% strike rate at the track from 115 rides. The horse has course experience, having finished third from one run here with no win or place, and his recent form reads 045-43.
Sunray Shadow KTB Fit 56/100
Sunray Shadow is a high-class performer who has won three of his last four starts and arrives in excellent order. He has already shown his liking for this track with two placed efforts, finishing third and second from two runs here with no win, and the yard's strong 23% strike rate at Uttoxeter from 621 runs adds further encouragement. First-time headgear is now fitted as he steps up in trip for the first time today on ground he has never encountered. The horse is usually held up and produces his effort late, though evidence is limited. Trainer and jockey Dan Skelton and Harry Skelton have combined for a 22% strike rate with an A/E of 0.90 overall, while Harry Skelton holds a 28% strike rate at the venue from 485 rides.
Samuel Spade KTB Fit 50/100
Samuel Spade is a high-class performer on his best days with strong ratings and race history backing him up. He has been placed twice from two runs at Uttoxeter, though without a win or place from those efforts, and the trainer holds a 13% strike rate from 180 runs here. He remains unproven on this ground and has failed to win in five attempts at the trip, while he drops in class today. Recent form reads 88-415. Trainer and jockey Ben Pauling and Beau Morgan have a 15% strike rate with an A/E of 0.88 overall, and the conditional jockey has a 13% strike rate at Uttoxeter from 15 rides.
The rest of the field
La PinsonniereKTB Fit 50/100
La Pinsonniere is a high-class performer who arrives in solid form having finished third in two strong handicaps this spring. He drops back from 3m2f to a trip he has tried only once without success, while first-time headgear is also an unknown. Trainer Nicky Henderson has a 21% strike rate at Uttoxeter from 403 runs but the horse has never been here before and remains unproven on this ground. Recent form reads 332-93.
KTB verdict
Sony Bill is the KTB Selection. He brings high-class ratings, solid recent form and a good third over shorter at this track, with the trainer's 22% strike rate at Uttoxeter providing significant encouragement even if the longer trip and ground are unknowns. Sunray Shadow shapes as the obvious danger, arriving in excellent order after three wins from his last four starts, with proven placed form at the course and the Skelton team's strong record here. Samuel Spade and La Pinsonniere cannot be dismissed on their high-class days, though both have questions to answer over the trip and on this ground.
KTB Selection Sony Bill
This is the narrative read of the 3:18 Uttoxeter. For the live card — runner-by-runner stats, the full Fit Score breakdown and current odds — see the Uttoxeter racecard. New here? How KTB works explains the Fit Score and why we publish both.
Questions about this race
Which horse has the strongest trainer record at Uttoxeter?
Sony Bill's trainer Faye Bramley has a 22% strike rate at Uttoxeter with an A/E of 1.63 from nine runs.
How many wins has Sunray Shadow recorded in his last four starts?
Sunray Shadow has won three of his last four starts.
Which runners are wearing headgear for the first time?
Sunray Shadow and La Pinsonniere are both fitted with first-time headgear.
Has Samuel Spade ever won over 3m?
Samuel Spade has failed to win in five attempts at the trip.
What is the course record of the KTB Selection at Uttoxeter?
Sony Bill has run once here, finishing third with no win or place.
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