Uttoxeter 3:30 Result

Royal Rhythm is in career-best form, winning last time out and finishing a close third before that (form figures 311 latest), running off a fair mark of 96 which looks lenient given the upward trajectory. He's fresh (just 9 days since last run), suggesting the stable is pressing on with a horse in form, and jockey Jonjo O'Neill Jr. knows him intimately being from the family yard. The blinkers addition has clearly sharpened him. At the classic 2m4f trip he's shown he stays and act well fresh off a quick turnaround, a good sign of a yard/horse in form. Rivals like Maghlaak and Norman Fletcher carry higher marks (111/110) but have had breaks and questions over resurgence, while Tommy Cullen also won last time but is stepping back in grade after a break of 51 days - less table-setting evidence of continued progress than Royal Rhythm's rapid week-to-week action. Phantom Gold is also in-form (form figures 4221) but hasn't got the same recent scintillating win and is 61 days off. The quick 9-day turnaround after a taking win, allied to the fact this yard is adept at668 placing improving handicappers, gives Royal Rhythm the nod as a value proposition relative to the more exposed, higher-rated types up in weight.