Blackrose Gus has an outstanding first bend rating — comfortably the highest in the field — which is gold dust at tight Romford where position at the first bend largely determines the result. He should fly to the first turn and establish a clear lead. The fading profile with no closing speed is the obvious concern at 400 metres, but his bend speed advantage is so significant that he may build enough of a cushion through the early bends to hold on despite weakening late. His form has been poor recently with several finishes at the rear, but those were against different opposition and from different draws. Drawn in a strong-performing trap at A11, with decent suitability, this is a race where his pace could prove decisive.