7:06 Stratford
This Class 3 Quinnbet Novices' Limited Handicap Steeple Chase over 2m6f125y at Stratford on good to firm ground brings together a small but select field of just three runners. All three boast strong recent form and high-class ability on the figures, yet each carries at least one question mark regarding the trip, the ground or the application of first-time headgear. The KTB Fit Scores sit tightly bunched between 47 and 58, underlining a competitive but tactical contest where the supplied numbers point to a narrow edge for the top-rated runner.
How the race shapes up
The pace shape lacks a natural leader and confidence in the forecast is low, suggesting a steadily-run, tactical affair in which being handy will pay. With all three principals usually held up and producing their effort late, the race is likely to develop into a sprint for the line from the home turn. The key question will be which horse can quicken most effectively off a slow gallop while coping best with the combination of stepping up in trip and the firm ground.
The KTB Fit ranking
- 1Dunkerque KTB Selection58/100Dunkerque is a high-class performer on the figures with a strong recent record of four wins from his last six starts.
- 2Samuel Spade57/100Samuel Spade is a high-class performer with strong recent form including two wins this year and solid placed efforts.
- 3Krak47/100Smart performer who arrives in solid form having finished a close third last time out.
The contenders
Dunkerque KTB Fit 58/100
Dunkerque stands out as a high-class performer on the figures with a strong recent record of four wins from his last six starts. He steps up in trip today while wearing first-time headgear and has only one previous run on good to firm ground, which adds a layer of uncertainty. The yard holds a 9% strike rate at Stratford from 86 runs and the jockey is 5% from 105 rides here, both of which are modest. Usually held up and producing his effort late, he will be expected to come from off the pace in what is set to be a steadily-run affair. The KTB Fit Score of 58 marks him as the highest-rated in the small field and he is the KTB Selection.
Samuel Spade KTB Fit 57/100
Samuel Spade is another high-class performer with strong recent form that includes two wins this year and solid placed efforts. He has course experience here though only managed fourth on his sole visit, while the drop back to 2m6f should suit having won at the trip before. The yard fires at a solid 23% strike-rate at Stratford from 90 runs, yet both horse and jockey remain unproven on good to firm ground. Usually held up and producing his effort late, he will be looking to come from off the pace in a tactical contest. With a KTB Fit Score of 57 he is rated just a fraction behind the selection.
Krak KTB Fit 47/100
Krak is a smart performer who arrives in solid form having finished a close third last time out. He steps up in trip today while making his course debut and tries good to firm ground for the first time, both of which are unknowns. First-time headgear is also applied as he looks to improve on recent efforts. Usually held up, though with medium confidence in that assessment, he will be another to come from off the pace in what is expected to be a steadily-run race. The KTB Fit Score of 47 leaves him rated the lowest of the three principals.
KTB verdict
Dunkerque is the KTB Selection. He brings the strongest recent winning record of the three and the highest KTB Fit Score, even if the step up in trip, first-time headgear and limited good to firm experience all represent fresh questions. Samuel Spade is the obvious danger, boasting course experience at the venue and a yard in excellent form at Stratford, though his own lack of experience on firm ground tempers enthusiasm. Krak cannot be entirely dismissed given his smart level of ability and the application of headgear, yet he has the most to prove on both trip and surface.
KTB Selection Dunkerque
Morning odds
Best available price per runner, captured 00:07 UTC, 20 Aug. These are a morning snapshot and will have moved — see the live racecard for current prices.
| Runner | Morning price | Bookmaker |
|---|---|---|
| Dunkerque | evn | 7Bet |
This is the narrative read of the 7:06 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 is stepping up in trip while wearing first-time headgear?
Dunkerque and Krak are both stepping up in trip and wearing first-time headgear.
How many runs has the yard of the selection had at Stratford?
The yard of Dunkerque has had 86 runs at Stratford.
Which runner has previous course experience at Stratford?
Samuel Spade has one previous run at Stratford, finishing fourth.
What is the trainer strike-rate at Stratford for the yard of Krak?
Dan Skelton has a 22% strike-rate at Stratford from 361 runs.
Which horses are unproven on good to firm ground?
Samuel Spade and Krak are both unproven on good to firm ground.
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