Model Rating: 86/100 | Grade: A- / EW

Ard As A Rock is the speculative selection of the day, but his previous form has more substance than his profile may initially suggest.

He ran at 33/1 in a strong Newbury maiden last month and showed plenty of early speed, leading for much of the race before weakening only late. That performance came in a sizeable field and gives him valuable race experience against stronger opposition than he is likely to meet in many ordinary restricted events.

Beverley is a track where that early tactical speed can be a real asset. Racing TV describes the course as favouring horses ridden close to the pace because of the downhill bend into a relatively short home straight; in sprints, positioning can become even more important.

The Times’ current race analysis also selects Ard As A Rock in this race, although the model decision is based primarily on his own profile and expected course fit rather than that external tip.

He needs to prove he can convert promise into a win, so this is not a high-confidence win bet.