Warwick 4:52 Verdict

This is a typically messy NH Flat maiden with plenty of unexposed types, but I've Got A Friend stands out on proven form - a recent win last time out (U2-1 reads as a fall, then 2nd, then a WIN) just 38 days ago, showing he's already learnt the game and is racing up to a mark. Being a 5yo with experience over the others who are mostly 4yo debutants or lightly raced types is a big plus in a bumper, where physical and mental maturity matters. Gary Hanmer campaigns these types sensibly and the fact he's already got a win under his belt with a rating of some substance (form figures show progression: fell, placed, won) gives a clear form-based case, whereas most of this field are unproven or have had lengthy breaks (Tommy Tipa 147 days, Farm Assured/Mon Missel/Gloves Are Off 143-186 days, Whiteoak Duffy 466 days). Mon Missel (2-F) and Gloves Are Off (U3-) both have solid placed form and looked useful when completing, and could easily feature, but neither has actually won and both return from long absences without recent racing sharpness. Farm Assured won last time but that was well over 4 months ago and matched against experienced rivals fresh. On profile, current form and race-fitness (ran just over a month ago), I've Got A Friend has the strongest case to follow up his recent victory against this generally weaker or leggier group of maidens.