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Leicester 18:18

Race 5 High Noon Black Cherry Vodka Soda Handicap (1m 53y)

5th Jul 25

Horse
Optimatum
Jockey
S D Bowen
Trainer
C Johnston
Optimatum, a 3-year-old gelding trained by C Johnston, is the top pick for the 'Race 5 High Noon Black Cherry Vodka Soda Handicap' at Leicester, set to run over 1 mile and 53 yards at 18:18. With conditions described as good to firm-good in places, Optimatum enters with commendable form, holding a 100% strike rate in the last 30 days over this course and distance. The combination of S D Bowen in the saddle and a live price of 1.91 (a short price indeed) solidifies his status as the favorite. Pessoa, second in the ranks, is a 6-year-old gelding paired with jockey Finley Marsh and overseen by trainer A Wintle. Pessoa has a value price of 4.5, and despite a somewhat mixed recent form with a 20% strike rate over the last 180 days, he has experience over longer terms with a decent strike rate in past races at this distance. His performance could hinge on whether he brings his A-game to Leicester this time around. Roscioli, the 7-year-old gelding trained by B R Johnson and ridden by Charlie Bennett, might just pull a surprise with odds of 6, making him an interesting dark horse. Roscioli's recent form doesn't shine as brightly, but he has shown some aptitude over longer distances in past seasons which could prove advantageous in this race setup. As for a long shot, Tilsworth Max stands out with a whopping price of 41, and though long odds often spell out more hope than expectation, Leicester has been known to throw up a few surprises! All eyes are on Optimatum, however, who based on recent form and favourable statistics, is positioned to take the win in this intriguing Leicester challenge. Good luck to all, and remember, bet responsibly!
Article prices indicative and correct at 3:15 am on 5th July 2025

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Course SR 16.29% (from last 264 races)

Course & Distance SR 14.81% (from last 27 races)

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