Bath 5:00 Result

Top-rated in the field on 57 alongside Macanudo, but Recon Mission's recent form reads 665331 - a clear improving trend culminating in a win last time out just 11 days ago, showing he's fit, in form and fires quickly after a break. He's a proven course-and-distance performer with vast experience (10yo) over this exact 5f trip, and Luke Morris takes over which is a positive booking for a senior, professional sprinter who knows how to get out of the stalls in a big 13-runner field. His draw in 1 isn't ideal in a wide, sprint-heavy line-up but Morris is adept at conserving position from awkward draws over minimum trip. Macanudo carries the same weight/rating but his profile (7-0371) is more moderate with the odd flat effort mixed in, and note the booking is a conditional apprentice rather than a battle-hardened senior jockey. Ten Cuidado and Ken Brulee (both Mark Usher-trained) are interesting improving 3yos but are stepping up in company/weight and unproven at this level. Jackie Brown's 532167 figures also look sound but she's up in class after a good run. Overall Recon Mission's blend of top rating, in-form figures, course/trip experience and shrewd jockey booking make him the standout at a fair price relative to a genuinely competitive but unspectacular sprint handicap.