The 17:24:00 at Towcester delivers the standout contest on today's card — a Open Race — the premier class event over 500 metres with 6 going to post. It's a race that demands closer inspection, and the data backs that up.
Pace is the key question here. This Approach (Trap 5) and Hard Done Boy (Trap 4) and Slaneyside Ross (Trap 3) both possess genuine early speed, which sets up a contested front end. That early battle could play into the hands of a closer — and there's one in the field.
Venetian Will (Trap 1, the inside berth) — trained by K R Hutton — emerges as the form pick. Recent form reads 5-4-6-1-5 — a winner last time out. Last clocked 38.83 at Monmore. Venetian Will is a strong closer who saves the best for the final drive and a closing-speed rating of 100/100. Best time over this trip: 29.25s.
This Approach (Trap 5) is the principal danger. Recent form reads 4-1-1-5-1 — 3 wins from the last 5 starts. Last ran 29.73 over course and distance. This Approach is one who tends to burn bright early before fading in the closing stages. Field speed rating sits at 63/100.
Of the remainder, Heres Ringo (Trap 6, form 5-4-3-6-4) could benefit if the pace collapses; Hard Done Boy (Trap 4, form 5-2-2-6-5) needs improvement on recent efforts; Slaneyside Ross (Trap 3, form 5-5-4-1-4) needs improvement on recent efforts; Stellas Charm (Trap 2, form 2-3-3-2-5) could benefit if the pace collapses.
The Verdict: Venetian Will from Trap 1 gets the vote. This Approach is the clear danger, but the edge on pace, form, and conditions favours the selection. A genuine betting race — and one where the data has a strong opinion.