14:50 stratford

A mark below her last winning rating, a useful claiming rider and a significant weight turnaround with a familiar rival put She Is For Me Boys firmly in the picture at Stratford.

By Gary Aldshaw

She Is For Me Boys appeals as a mare with the proven chasing form to take advantage of a workable handicap mark. Jamie Snowden’s runner competes off 108, which is 1lb below her last winning rating, while Isabelle Ryder’s 5lb claim reduces her burden to just 10st1. That gives her a sound starting point in this six-runner contest.

Her Worcester victory in June provides a straightforward illustration of what she can do. She made the running and stayed on to beat Laffer Curve by three lengths off 109. There is stronger evidence in her close third in a valuable mares’ handicap at Market Rasen in April, where she finished just three-quarters of a length behind the winner. Those performances suggest she has the ability to win from her current mark without needing a significant improvement.

The revised terms with Best Women are particularly interesting. When beaten five and a half lengths by that rival at Fakenham in May, she was conceding 9lb. With Ryder’s allowance taken into account, she now receives 4lb—a 13lb turnaround. Weight alone never settles a rematch, but that is a substantial change and gives me a credible reason to expect a much closer contest between them.

Her latest fourth at Worcester needs a measured reading. She was beaten more than 22 lengths, so I would not dress it up as an unlucky defeat. However, that came in a Class 2 handicap; she drops into Class 3 here from a mark 2lb lower. The easier assignment gives her a reasonable opportunity to bounce back.

There are reservations. Her previous Stratford appearance was disappointing, albeit over further on faster ground. Service Minimum brings useful hurdles ability to her chasing debut, while Dream Shadow could improve with her first experience over fences behind her. Neither should be underestimated.

Nevertheless, I favour the selection’s established chasing ability, attractive weight and improved terms with a familiar rival. At 7/2, She Is For Me Boys makes sufficient appeal for a measured one-point win bet.

Published selections

She Is For Me Boys — Stratford 2:50. Advised price: 7/2. Stake: 1pt WIN. Result: pending.

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