2:20 Sedgefield Tips

As Fast As Wind has been steadily progressive over hurdles and looks open to further improvement. Tristan Davidson doesn’t send out many runners, but the yard is operating at a sharp 23% strike rate this season (5 wins from 22), suggesting anything they run is worth noting. With her profile on the rise and the stable in form, she commands respect.

I would expect it to be pretty testing at Sedgefield, and that'll suit Micky Hammond's 5-year-old down to the ground. He needed the run last time at Kelso 16 days ago on his handicap debut, but still ran much better than his odds of 40/1 would imply.

Harper Valley is a past winner of this race back in 2023, which is his only win here, but he has another four places from his five runs here at Sedgefield. Gradually dropping down in weight. Distance should not be a problem as he has been racing over 20f or slightly further for all but his first two rules races. Rarely runs on soft but has a win and two 3rds from his four attempts. Ross Chapman is taking the reins again and has three wins and six places from his thirteen rides.

A Mickey Bowen trained 7-year-old who has had 12 races over the hurdles, winning twice and has finished in the frame 5 times. His last win was here at Sedgefield in October in a class 4 handicap hurdle over 2m 4f on good to firm going when leading on the run-in to beat the favorite by 5 1/2 lengths. He is in a class 4 handicap hurdle over 2m 4f on soft going and has Shane Fenelon in the saddle claiming 5 lbs, who has ridden him before. This gelding has been racing over the bigger obstacles in his last 2 races, which appears he is a better hurdler. He is reverting back over the hurdles and is a c/d winner, has a good e/w shout in this race today.

Hajey has won here twice, and his best runs have been over today's sort of trip on ground with some give. He travelled well for a long way last time, returning from an 8-month break over a trip that stretched his stamina. He was not given a hard time when beaten and will strip fitter today. The last time he had today's conditions in a class 4 was when he was 4.5L behind Harper Valley six starts ago and is almost a stone better off with that rival today. The yard is in good form, and likely Tom Midgley, claiming 3lb, will be asking for him to give his all today.

Starman has his second outing for Joanne Foster. The horse may have needed his run fourteen days ago as it came after a long break. The horse is two pounds lower on official ratings compared to his last win. He has won over today's distance on soft/heavy ground and today's conditions should suit. Starman has scored on the undulations at Clonmel and Limerick so Sedgefield can suit.