6:41 Worcester
This Class 2 Amodil Group Handicap Hurdle over 2m4f at Worcester on good ground brings together a compact but high-quality field of seven. Several runners are stepping up in class, yet the KTB Fit ratings identify a clear quartet of principals headed by American Mike on 66, with the next three clustered between 58 and 56. Recent form is generally positive among the leading contenders, many of whom have shown ability at today’s trip and on this surface, while first-time headgear appears on no fewer than five of the seven runners.
How the race shapes up
The pace shape suggests a truly-run contest with a mix of prominent racers and those who settle in mid-division. American Mike and Our Guide are both likely to be forward, while Ebony Warrior and Dream Diamond can also take a hand early. The key question is whether the race will be decided from the front or if the hold-up performers can capitalise on any softening of the pace up the home straight.
The KTB Fit ranking
- 1American Mike KTB Selection66/100High-class performer with a solid recent record and proven ability at this level.
- 2Ebony Warrior58/100Smart performer who has won twice at this track from six starts and holds a solid record on good ground with three wins from eight attempts.
- 3Our Guide57/100High-class performer who has won both starts this year and landed his only previous run here.
- 4Miss Maverick56/100Miss Maverick is a high-class performer with a solid career record that includes five wins at today's trip.
- 5Dream Diamond52/100Smart performer who has already won over this course and looks sure to go well again.
- 6Billy Boi Blue51/100This smart performer has been struggling for form of late with two pulled-ups and a pair of modest efforts this year.
- 7Skyjack Hijack50/100Skyjack Hijack is a high-class performer on his day with a solid record on good ground that includes five wins from eight starts.
The contenders
American Mike KTB Fit 66/100
American Mike is a high-class performer with a solid recent record and proven ability at this level. He has placed on his only previous run here at Worcester and the yard's 21% strike-rate at the track adds confidence, though the first-time headgear is an unknown. He drops back in trip today having won at this distance before and acts on good ground. The trainer and jockey combination show a 1/12 record with an A/E of 0.42, while the yard is 21% at Worcester with an A/E of 0.93 from 140 runs. Recent form reads 921-52 and he steps up in class as a 9-year-old.
Ebony Warrior KTB Fit 58/100
Ebony Warrior is a smart performer who has won twice at this track from six starts and holds a solid record on good ground with three wins from eight attempts. He drops back to his winning distance today having last run over further and the first-time headgear is an interesting addition. The trainer has a 14% strike rate here from 35 runs while the 3lb claimer is yet to ride a winner at Worcester. Recent form is UP5-51 and he steps up in class as an 8-year-old. The combination shows 24/136 with an A/E of 1.37 and positive LSP of +£57.34.
Our Guide KTB Fit 57/100
Our Guide is a high-class performer who has won both starts this year and landed his only previous run here. He has also won at today's trip and on this ground. Trainer Jamie Snowden has a solid 18% strike rate at Worcester while Gavin Sheehan is aboard. The combination records 324/1427 with an A/E of 0.99. Recent form reads 151-11 and he steps up in class as a 5-year-old with a course record of one win from one start.
Miss Maverick KTB Fit 56/100
Miss Maverick is a high-class performer with a solid career record that includes five wins at today's trip. She has performed well on good ground and steps up in distance having last run over 2m1f. The yard's modest 4% strike rate at Worcester is a negative on her first run at the track. Recent form is 5-1843 and she steps up in class as a 9-year-old. The trainer and jockey show 5/39 with an A/E of 1.25.
The rest of the field
Dream DiamondKTB Fit 52/100
Dream Diamond is a smart performer who has already won over this course and looks sure to go well again. He steps up in trip for the first time today having been placed without winning at 2m4f previously, while the first-time headgear is another unknown. Recent form is 073-U2 and he steps up in class as a 6-year-old.
Billy Boi BlueKTB Fit 51/100
Billy Boi Blue is a smart performer who has been struggling for form of late with two pulled-ups and a pair of modest efforts this year. He drops back to a trip he has won at before while sporting first-time headgear and is with a yard that operate at a solid 14% strike rate here. Recent form is 3PP-56 and he steps up in class as a 9-year-old.
Skyjack HijackKTB Fit 50/100
Skyjack Hijack is a high-class performer on his day with a solid record on good ground that includes five wins from eight starts. He drops back to a trip he has won over though his recent form of 5/P6-P is patchy and he now tries headgear for the first time. Recent form is 5/P6-P and he steps up in class as an 8-year-old.
KTB verdict
American Mike stands out as the KTB Selection. He brings high-class form, a solid recent record, and proven ability at this level, allied to placed form on his sole previous visit to Worcester and a yard that operates at a 21% strike rate here. The drop back to a winning distance and his effectiveness on good ground further strengthen the case. The main dangers are Ebony Warrior, who has won twice at the track, and Our Guide, who is unbeaten this year and successful on his only previous course run, while Miss Maverick cannot be entirely dismissed on her career record at the trip.
KTB Selection American Mike
This is the narrative read of the 6:41 Worcester. For the live card — runner-by-runner stats, the full Fit Score breakdown and current odds — see the Worcester racecard. New here? How KTB works explains the Fit Score and why we publish both.
Questions about this race
Which horse has the highest KTB Fit Score?
American Mike on 66/100.
How many of the seven runners are wearing first-time headgear?
Five runners are wearing first-time headgear.
Which horse has won both starts this year?
Our Guide, whose recent form is 151-11.
Who has the best trainer strike rate at Worcester among the principals?
Jamie Snowden with an 18% strike rate at Worcester from 194 runs.
Which runner has won twice at Worcester?
Ebony Warrior, who has a course record of two wins from six starts.
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