
| Horse Name | Avg CCR | Peak LTO Class Rtg | Peak 3-Run TFR | Tfig | Avg PR% | PBR 2 (PRB²) | Primary IP Style | Timeform Insight | Current Odds |
| Valadon | 116.50 | 123.00 | 116 | 92 | 63.40% | 0.83 | Tracked / Mid | First-time tongue strap was the catalyst | 5/1 |
| Moveit Like Minnie | 105.30 | 101.24 | 111 | 85 | 52.10% | 0.73 | Prominent (11) | Ran as well as he has this season LTO | 4/1 |
| Ambion View | 109.40 | 108.64 | 115 | 88 | 58.50% | 0.72 | Tracked / Mid | Returned to form, doesn't do much wrong | 5/1 |
| Celtic Art | 108.50 | 88.20 | 121 | 94 | 51.20% | 0.28 | Prominent / Front | Found run of good form coming to a halt | 7/2 F |
| Swingin Safari | 101.20 | 98.40 | 116 | 83 | 47.60% | 0.50 | Tracked / Prom | Strong-galloping type, capable of better | 6/1 |
| Crebilly | 112.10 | PU (N/A) | 119 | 97 | 42.80% | 0.00 | Mid-Division (7) | Sweating, again failed to show his form | 8/1 |
| Bourbali | 110.80 | 102.50 | 124 | 98 | 46.70% | 0.44 | Front Runner (21) | Forcing tactics took their toll LTO | 8/1 |
| Last Kingdom | 128.41 | PU (N/A) | 125 | 105 | 22.30% | 0.00 | Mid-Division | FORM BOOST: Better judged on past form | 20/1 |
| Horse Name | Unadjusted CCR Trajectory (Old CCR + Past OR) | Adjusted CCR Trajectory (Unadjusted CCR - Today's OR) | L3 TFR / Tfig | Full Timeform Race Comments (Last 3 Runs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dunkeld Dreamer | 141.16 ➔ 153.00 ➔ 156.40 | 62.16 ➔ 74.00 ➔ 77.40 | TFR:77 ➔ 84 ➔ 84 Tfig:67 ➔ 81 ➔ 67 | 1. was unplaced for the first time in handicaps but ran close to her best and left the impression she might just strip fitter for this first outing in 5 months; close up, shaken up over 2f out, faded final 1f. 2. showed the benefit of a recent outing and the run of the race to record a battling success; dictated, pushed along under 3f out, tackled over 1f out, kept on; it would be churlish to crab her attitude, for all that she gave a brief flash of her tail 1f out, but the percentage call is still that she'll be vulnerable off higher marks. 3. had caused a shock at Haydock 9 days prior and ran at least as well in defeat from 3 lb higher; made running, pushed along over 2f out, headed approaching final furlong, no extra final 100 yds. |
| Plaid | 128.15 ➔ 143.00 ➔ 146.55 | 53.15 ➔ 68.00 ➔ 71.55 | TFR:68 ➔ 70 ➔ 82 Tfig:58 ➔ 42 ➔ 68 | 1. showed promise, shaping as if taking much more after her sire than dam; slowly into stride, raced well off the pace, steady headway from 3f out, took second final 100 yds, not knocked about; will improve. 2. switched to all-weather after 7 weeks off, confirmed debut promise to go one better, in the process adding weight to the idea she'll stay a fair bit further than dam's side of pedigree might suggest; raced wide, handy, shaken up over 2f out, ran green, led final 100 yds, driven out; she remains with potential. 3. couldn't justify significant support after 4 months off but showed improved form nevertheless in splitting a pair of fellow handicap newcomers; in touch, headway over 2f out, led 1f out, headed final 100 yds, kept on; she's open to further progress. |
| Cancelled | 165.67 ➔ 148.57 ➔ 150.87 | 89.67 ➔ 72.57 ➔ 74.87 | TFR:85 ➔ 66 ➔ 82 Tfig:45 ➔ 34 ➔ 72 | 1. shaped as if better for the run with the tongue tie left off after 11 months off, tying up and losing several places late on having initially got first run in the straight; handy, took keen hold and led after 2f, kicked on approaching straight, edged left entering final 1f, headed soon after. 2. easy to back, was below form over 1f shorter trip after further 11 weeks off and has a bit to prove for this yard; prominent, challenged under 2f out, hung left over 1f out, weakened. 3. ran creditably having her first turf start for this yard, on firmer ground than previously, too, and shaped like she might come on again a touch for the outing; mid-field, had to pick way through 2f out, edged left, chased leaders over 1f out, effort flattened out only late on. |
| Epidavros | 141.87 ➔ 138.38 ➔ 144.56 | 70.87 ➔ 67.38 ➔ 73.56 | TFR:64 ➔ 76 ➔ 75 Tfig:70 ➔ 66 ➔ 65 | 1. wasn't in the same form as last time; in touch, went prominent early in straight, ridden over 2f out, weakened final 1f. 2. drew a blank in 2025 but performed more often than not and made a solid start to the new campaign after 6 months off, just a few lb below peak form; soon steadied, off pace, steady progress straight, kept on. 3. back down in grade, ran to a similar level to reappearance, despite not being seen to maximum effect; mid-division, raced freely, pushed along over 2f out, kept on, came from further back than trio who beat her. |
| Seren Star | 159.11 ➔ 174.00 ➔ 150.49 | 70.11 ➔ 85.00 ➔ 61.49 | TFR:79 ➔ 99 ➔ 68 Tfig:68 ➔ 86 ➔ --- | 1. was faced with a deeper race for hat-trick attempt and struggled to get competitive; in rear, pushed along 2f out, never a threat. 2. quickly got back on the up, seeming suited by the sound gallop and having no problems with the softest ground she's encountered; mid-field, shaken up 3f out, headway over 2f out, led under 2f out, tackled entering final 1f, found extra; already a winner at 9f, she'll be at least as effective at 1¼m. 3. had put up a useful effort in soft ground last time but, up in grade and in a first-time hood, wasn't in the same form; held up, some headway under pressure straight, beaten final 1f, not persevered with once held. |
| Crystal Flyer | 161.85 ➔ 183.13 ➔ 58.10 | 71.85 ➔ 93.13 ➔ -31.90 | TFR:88 ➔ 91 ➔ --- Tfig:88 ➔ 68 ➔ --- | 1. in first-time cheekpieces, ran as well as entitled to; held up, still plenty to do when not clear run around 2f out, got gap well over 1f out, plugged on. 2. once more had limitations exposed in this grade; mid-field, not clear run home turn, ridden over 1f out, no extra final 1f. 3. was too free on first outing since leaving Tom Ward (sold 70,000 gns) after 5 months off; soon steadied, raced freely, left behind quickly 3f out. |
| Second Fiddle | 134.27 ➔ 103.50 ➔ 75.04 | 63.27 ➔ 32.50 ➔ 4.04 | TFR:67 ➔ 51 ➔ 18 Tfig:50 ➔ 48 ➔ 9 | 1. who had rounded out a remarkable 2025 with a sixth success, and fifth over this C&D, a fortnight earlier, may have been found out by a further 6 Ib rise in the weights; held up, ridden over 1f out, never nearer. 2. ran poorly raised significantly in grade; mid-field, pushed along under 3f out, weakened over 1f out. 3. performed even worse back on turf after 13 weeks off and may not have been 100% on the day, stopping quickly having travelled fine in rear; soon steadied, not settle fully, dropped away 2f out, tailed off. |
| Horse Name | Odds Trajectory | L3 PR% Trajectory | Market Performance Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plaid | 14/1 ➔ 17/2 ➔ 6/5F | 75.00% ➔ 88.89% ➔ 33.33% | An elite outperformer. She heavily beat the market at long odds in her first two starts and still comfortably hit the frame when shouldering the pressure of favoritism. |
| Dunkeld Dreamer | 17/2 ➔ 18/1 ➔ 3/1F | 50.00% ➔ 87.50% ➔ 42.86% | Highly consistent. The market completely dismissed her at 18/1 two starts ago, and she responded with a victory that generated a massive 87.50% rating. |
| Seren Star | 4/5F ➔ 6/1 ➔ 15/2 | 0.00% ➔ 44.44% ➔ 88.89% | Her PR% spiked aggressively as her odds drifted. When the market abandoned her at Nottingham (15/2), she shattered expectations with a win. |
| Epidavros | 4/1 ➔ 10/1 ➔ 7/2 | 16.67% ➔ 60.00% ➔ 55.56% | A sneaky overperformer. Despite failing to win, she is consistently finishing far higher up the field than her starting prices mathematically project. |
| Cancelled | 25/1 ➔ 9/1 ➔ 18/1 | 45.00% ➔ 40.00% ➔ 62.50% | A verified value anomaly. She continuously outruns her double-digit odds, most recently turning an 18/1 SP into a very strong 3rd place finish. |
| Azahara Palace | 11/1 ➔ 28/1 ➔ 14/1 | 84.62% ➔ 50.00% ➔ -12.50% | Produced massive overperformances in her first two Hurdle starts but completely broke the model by unseating her rider last time out. |
| Crystal Flyer | 100/1 ➔ 25/1 ➔ 22/1 | 66.67% ➔ 38.46% ➔ 0.00% | The definition of a collapsing profile. Her PR% dropped to zero last time out after finishing dead last in a 9-runner field. |
| Second Fiddle | 100/30F ➔ 16/1 ➔ 33/1 | 12.50% ➔ 0.00% ➔ 9.09% | The market consistently expects her to fail, and she obliges. Operating at the absolute bottom of the PR% metrics. |
I have finally begun to find a degree of success in this flat season.
Today I rated one race at one of my favourite tracks, Ripon, This is
the 3.50. In this race there is a clear selection which comes out
best on both the Racing Post ratings and the basic VDW method.
The horse is Space Bear, at 9/2. There are two other contenders in this race
to make it competitive, these being Shatlow and Alpine Girl.
The 6 points plus advantage though enjoyed by Space Bear should be sufficient
to put its head in front when it matters.
I have also analysed the 5.05 at Hamilton. Here there is conflict. Seven Star looks
out of contention. The other two contenders show conflict. Plaid is the selection
using the basic VDW method of selection whilst Dunkfeld Dreamer is the selection
using the Racing Post ratings. It is a shame that the Tote axed the reverse forecast bet.
I have just realised that if you were to put the two contenders into a percentage chance
of winning scenario, then Plaid would come out on top.


| Horse Name | Unadjusted CCR Trajectory (Old CCR + Past OR) | Adjusted CCR Trajectory (Unadjusted CCR - Today's OR) | L3 TFR / Tfig | Full Timeform Race Comments (Last 3 Runs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dunkeld Dreamer | 141.16 ➔ 153.00 ➔ 156.40 | 62.16 ➔ 74.00 ➔ 77.40 | TFR:77 ➔ 84 ➔ 84 Tfig:67 ➔ 81 ➔ 67 | 1. was unplaced for the first time in handicaps but ran close to her best and left the impression she might just strip fitter for this first outing in 5 months; close up, shaken up over 2f out, faded final 1f. 2. showed the benefit of a recent outing and the run of the race to record a battling success; dictated, pushed along under 3f out, tackled over 1f out, kept on; it would be churlish to crab her attitude, for all that she gave a brief flash of her tail 1f out, but the percentage call is still that she'll be vulnerable off higher marks. 3. had caused a shock at Haydock 9 days prior and ran at least as well in defeat from 3 lb higher; made running, pushed along over 2f out, headed approaching final furlong, no extra final 100 yds. |
| Plaid | 128.15 ➔ 143.00 ➔ 146.55 | 53.15 ➔ 68.00 ➔ 71.55 | TFR:68 ➔ 70 ➔ 82 Tfig:58 ➔ 42 ➔ 68 | 1. showed promise, shaping as if taking much more after her sire than dam; slowly into stride, raced well off the pace, steady headway from 3f out, took second final 100 yds, not knocked about; will improve. 2. switched to all-weather after 7 weeks off, confirmed debut promise to go one better, in the process adding weight to the idea she'll stay a fair bit further than dam's side of pedigree might suggest; raced wide, handy, shaken up over 2f out, ran green, led final 100 yds, driven out; she remains with potential. 3. couldn't justify significant support after 4 months off but showed improved form nevertheless in splitting a pair of fellow handicap newcomers; in touch, headway over 2f out, led 1f out, headed final 100 yds, kept on; she's open to further progress. |
| Cancelled | 165.67 ➔ 148.57 ➔ 150.87 | 89.67 ➔ 72.57 ➔ 74.87 | TFR:85 ➔ 66 ➔ 82 Tfig:45 ➔ 34 ➔ 72 | 1. shaped as if better for the run with the tongue tie left off after 11 months off, tying up and losing several places late on having initially got first run in the straight; handy, took keen hold and led after 2f, kicked on approaching straight, edged left entering final 1f, headed soon after. 2. easy to back, was below form over 1f shorter trip after further 11 weeks off and has a bit to prove for this yard; prominent, challenged under 2f out, hung left over 1f out, weakened. 3. ran creditably having her first turf start for this yard, on firmer ground than previously, too, and shaped like she might come on again a touch for the outing; mid-field, had to pick way through 2f out, edged left, chased leaders over 1f out, effort flattened out only late on. |
| Epidavros | 141.87 ➔ 138.38 ➔ 144.56 | 70.87 ➔ 67.38 ➔ 73.56 | TFR:64 ➔ 76 ➔ 75 Tfig:70 ➔ 66 ➔ 65 | 1. wasn't in the same form as last time; in touch, went prominent early in straight, ridden over 2f out, weakened final 1f. 2. drew a blank in 2025 but performed more often than not and made a solid start to the new campaign after 6 months off, just a few lb below peak form; soon steadied, off pace, steady progress straight, kept on. 3. back down in grade, ran to a similar level to reappearance, despite not being seen to maximum effect; mid-division, raced freely, pushed along over 2f out, kept on, came from further back than trio who beat her. |
| Seren Star | 159.11 ➔ 174.00 ➔ 150.49 | 70.11 ➔ 85.00 ➔ 61.49 | TFR:79 ➔ 99 ➔ 68 Tfig:68 ➔ 86 ➔ --- | 1. was faced with a deeper race for hat-trick attempt and struggled to get competitive; in rear, pushed along 2f out, never a threat. 2. quickly got back on the up, seeming suited by the sound gallop and having no problems with the softest ground she's encountered; mid-field, shaken up 3f out, headway over 2f out, led under 2f out, tackled entering final 1f, found extra; already a winner at 9f, she'll be at least as effective at 1¼m. 3. had put up a useful effort in soft ground last time but, up in grade and in a first-time hood, wasn't in the same form; held up, some headway under pressure straight, beaten final 1f, not persevered with once held. |
| Crystal Flyer | 161.85 ➔ 183.13 ➔ 58.10 | 71.85 ➔ 93.13 ➔ -31.90 | TFR:88 ➔ 91 ➔ --- Tfig:88 ➔ 68 ➔ --- | 1. in first-time cheekpieces, ran as well as entitled to; held up, still plenty to do when not clear run around 2f out, got gap well over 1f out, plugged on. 2. once more had limitations exposed in this grade; mid-field, not clear run home turn, ridden over 1f out, no extra final 1f. 3. was too free on first outing since leaving Tom Ward (sold 70,000 gns) after 5 months off; soon steadied, raced freely, left behind quickly 3f out. |
| Second Fiddle | 134.27 ➔ 103.50 ➔ 75.04 | 63.27 ➔ 32.50 ➔ 4.04 | TFR:67 ➔ 51 ➔ 18 Tfig:50 ➔ 48 ➔ 9 | 1. who had rounded out a remarkable 2025 with a sixth success, and fifth over this C&D, a fortnight earlier, may have been found out by a further 6 Ib rise in the weights; held up, ridden over 1f out, never nearer. 2. ran poorly raised significantly in grade; mid-field, pushed along under 3f out, weakened over 1f out. 3. performed even worse back on turf after 13 weeks off and may not have been 100% on the day, stopping quickly having travelled fine in rear; soon steadied, not settle fully, dropped away 2f out, tailed off. |
| Horse Name | Odds Trajectory | L3 PR% Trajectory | Market Performance Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plaid | 14/1 ➔ 17/2 ➔ 6/5F | 75.00% ➔ 88.89% ➔ 33.33% | An elite outperformer. She heavily beat the market at long odds in her first two starts and still comfortably hit the frame when shouldering the pressure of favoritism. |
| Dunkeld Dreamer | 17/2 ➔ 18/1 ➔ 3/1F | 50.00% ➔ 87.50% ➔ 42.86% | Highly consistent. The market completely dismissed her at 18/1 two starts ago, and she responded with a victory that generated a massive 87.50% rating. |
| Seren Star | 4/5F ➔ 6/1 ➔ 15/2 | 0.00% ➔ 44.44% ➔ 88.89% | Her PR% spiked aggressively as her odds drifted. When the market abandoned her at Nottingham (15/2), she shattered expectations with a win. |
| Epidavros | 4/1 ➔ 10/1 ➔ 7/2 | 16.67% ➔ 60.00% ➔ 55.56% | A sneaky overperformer. Despite failing to win, she is consistently finishing far higher up the field than her starting prices mathematically project. |
| Cancelled | 25/1 ➔ 9/1 ➔ 18/1 | 45.00% ➔ 40.00% ➔ 62.50% | A verified value anomaly. She continuously outruns her double-digit odds, most recently turning an 18/1 SP into a very strong 3rd place finish. |
| Azahara Palace | 11/1 ➔ 28/1 ➔ 14/1 | 84.62% ➔ 50.00% ➔ -12.50% | Produced massive overperformances in her first two Hurdle starts but completely broke the model by unseating her rider last time out. |
| Crystal Flyer | 100/1 ➔ 25/1 ➔ 22/1 | 66.67% ➔ 38.46% ➔ 0.00% | The definition of a collapsing profile. Her PR% dropped to zero last time out after finishing dead last in a 9-runner field. |
| Second Fiddle | 100/30F ➔ 16/1 ➔ 33/1 | 12.50% ➔ 0.00% ➔ 9.09% | The market consistently expects her to fail, and she obliges. Operating at the absolute bottom of the PR% metrics. |
Well done with Plaid . With horses like Plaid the VDW Ability Rating is going to be lower than the more exposed horses. Although I’m not into VDW these days. Some time back around 2005 I was in email contact with a chap from the Isle Of Man who developed his own take on Class/FormI have finally begun to find a degree of success in this flat season.
Today I rated one race at one of my favourite tracks, Ripon, This is
the 3.50. In this race there is a clear selection which comes out
best on both the Racing Post ratings and the basic VDW method.
The horse is Space Bear, at 9/2. There are two other contenders in this race
to make it competitive, these being Shatlow and Alpine Girl.
The 6 points plus advantage though enjoyed by Space Bear should be sufficient
to put its head in front when it matters.
I have also analysed the 5.05 at Hamilton. Here there is conflict. Seven Star looks
out of contention. The other two contenders show conflict. Plaid is the selection
using the basic VDW method of selection whilst Dunkfeld Dreamer is the selection
using the Racing Post ratings. It is a shame that the Tote axed the reverse forecast bet.
I have just realised that if you were to put the two contenders into a percentage chance
of winning scenario, then Plaid would come out on top.
| Plaid | 128.15 ➔ 143.00 ➔ 146.55 | 53.15 ➔ 68.00 ➔ 71.55 | TFR:68 ➔ 70 ➔ 82 Tfig:58 ➔ 42 ➔ 68 | 1. showed promise, shaping as if taking much more after her sire than dam; slowly into stride, raced well off the pace, steady headway from 3f out, took second final 100 yds, not knocked about; will improve. 2. switched to all-weather after 7 weeks off, confirmed debut promise to go one better, in the process adding weight to the idea she'll stay a fair bit further than dam's side of pedigree might suggest; raced wide, handy, shaken up over 2f out, ran green, led final 100 yds, driven out; she remains with potential. 3. couldn't justify significant support after 4 months off but showed improved form nevertheless in splitting a pair of fellow handicap newcomers; in touch, headway over 2f out, led 1f out, headed final 100 yds, kept on; she's open to further progress. |