4:30 Stratford
This Class 4 handicap chase at Stratford over 2m6f125y on good ground features a compact field of five. The KTB numbers point to a competitive affair with three principals holding Fit Scores above 55, headed by Harrys Hope on 74. Recent form is generally solid across the line-up, though questions remain around trip suitability for a couple and the modest course records for others.
How the race shapes up
The race-level pace shape suggests a fairly even tempo with no pronounced front-runners or confirmed hold-up types dominating. Harrys Hope and Two To Tango are likely to race prominently from the outset, while Tamarind Bay and Mix Of Clover can sit just off that pace. Grillon De Monty may drop in last. The key question is whether the prominent pair can dictate matters or if the race will be decided by those coming from slightly further back on this sharp track.
The KTB Fit ranking
- 1Harrys Hope KTB Selection74/100Smart performer who won here over fences on his only previous visit to Stratford.
- 2Tamarind Bay62/100Smart performer who arrives in solid form having placed in four of his last five starts including twice at this trip.
- 3Mix Of Clover57/100Useful performer who has won once from six starts at Stratford and handles good ground well with six wins from 31 attempts.
- 4Two To Tango57/100Smart performer who has won over course and distance range and arrives in solid form after a good second last time.
- 5Grillon De Monty43/100Useful performer who ran well when second over course and distance on return last month.
The contenders
Harrys Hope KTB Fit 74/100
Harrys Hope is a smart performer who won here over fences on his only previous visit to Stratford. He possesses a solid record on good ground, recording three wins from eight attempts, and has won twice over today's trip although he was well held when last seen over 3m1f. Dropping in class looks a positive move. Ben Pauling holds a 24% strike rate at the track with an A/E of 1.24 from 87 runs, while Ben Jones brings an 18% strike rate at Stratford with an A/E of 0.98 from 66 rides. The trainer and jockey combination shows 137 winners from 681 rides at a 20% strike rate with an A/E of 0.92. Recent form of 11220- underlines his competitiveness at this level.
Tamarind Bay KTB Fit 62/100
Tamarind Bay is a smart performer who arrives in solid form having placed in four of his last five starts, including twice over today's trip. He acts on good ground though he is yet to win on it, with three placings from five attempts. This represents his first run at Stratford. The yard shows a 16% strike rate at the track with an A/E of 0.66 from 19 runs, while Sean Bowen has a 21% strike rate at Stratford with an A/E of 0.92 from 224 rides. The trainer and jockey partnership records 27 winners from 107 rides at a 25% strike rate with an A/E of 0.91. Recent form figures of 42323- highlight his consistency.
Mix Of Clover KTB Fit 57/100
Mix Of Clover is a useful performer who has won once from six starts at Stratford and handles good ground well with six wins from 31 attempts. He steps up in trip today having only tried this distance once before without success, and his recent form of 361P-3 shows patchy consistency. The trainer has a modest 9% strike rate here from 89 runs with an A/E of 0.62. Tom Broughton takes the ride with a 22% strike rate at Stratford and an A/E of 2.11 from 18 rides. The trainer and jockey record stands at three winners from 18 rides at a 17% strike rate with an A/E of 1.21 and a small level-stakes profit of +£5.00.
The rest of the field
Two To TangoKTB Fit 57/100
Two To Tango is a smart performer who has won over course and distance and arrives in solid form after a good second last time. He steps up in trip today which asks a fresh question though he has been placed on good ground. Emma Lavelle has a strong 20% strike rate at Stratford while the horse himself is 1 from 2 here.
Grillon De MontyKTB Fit 43/100
Grillon De Monty is a useful performer who ran well when second over course and distance on return last month. He has placed here before but also pulled up on his other visit, while the yard's modest 0% strike-rate from six runs at Stratford is a negative. He stays this trip and has scored twice on good ground.
KTB verdict
Harrys Hope stands out as the KTB Selection. He brings strong course form having won here on his only previous visit, boasts a solid record on good ground, and drops in class while representing a yard in good order at Stratford. His proven ability at today's trip further strengthens the case. The main dangers are Tamarind Bay, who arrives with consistent placed form at this distance, and Mix Of Clover, who knows the venue well despite his advancing years. Two To Tango cannot be entirely dismissed either given his course record and recent efforts.
KTB Selection Harrys Hope
This is the narrative read of the 4:30 Stratford. For the live card — runner-by-runner stats, the full Fit Score breakdown and current odds — see the Stratford racecard. New here? How KTB works explains the Fit Score and why we publish both.
Questions about this race
Which horse has course-winning form at Stratford over fences?
Harrys Hope won here over fences on his only previous visit to Stratford.
How many wins has Mix Of Clover recorded on good ground?
Mix Of Clover has six wins from 31 starts on good ground.
What is the trainer's strike rate at Stratford for the yard of Two To Tango?
Emma Lavelle has a 20% strike rate at Stratford.
Has Tamarind Bay ever won on good ground?
Tamarind Bay is yet to win on good ground, though he has placed three times from five starts.
Which horse in the field has the highest KTB Fit Score?
Harrys Hope has the highest KTB Fit Score on 74.
18+. Analysis and entertainment only — no guarantee of profit. KTB race previews are published for interest and are not betting advice. Only ever stake what you can comfortably afford to lose, and set your own limits. Free, confidential help: the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 (GamCare.org.uk); in Ireland, the GamblingCare.ie helpline on 1800 936 725. Self-exclude at any time via GAMSTOP.
More from Kickthebookies