4:06 Sedgefield Tips

Bumpy Evans won with considerable ease last time and is expected to continue his progress and take this handicap at Sedgefield.

Bagheera Ginge has to be my pick as the top three are all very close. But mine has a very handy 7 lbs claimer onboard, which I think tips the balance. Also, last month was his first shot at 3m2f and he came straight in with a win by over 8L. So I would expect more now, second up.

A chance is taken on Fairlawn Flyer who has proven stamina and was not disgraced when bidding for a six-timer at Cartmel. Bumpy Evans deservedly favourite for this, but at the prices, may find this trip too much for his exuberant style of racing and require more reliable jumping.

This is a hot little race with the front four in the betting in great form. In the hope that we see the ground soften, I think that will play into this 7yo's chances, and I expect a decent run at a decent price.

The handicapper has given him a helping hand here, dropping him 2 lbs for the last run. He's been a real flag bearer for this yard, notching up countless wins, particularly in these types of staying chase races. This mark looks fine for him, given he's now 2 lbs below his last winning mark. He won this race back in 2023. Admittedly, that win did come off a 10 lbs lower mark than this. He ran well again in this race last term, finishing 3rd behind Jesuitique, beaten 9L. To be fair, that run came off a 6 lbs higher mark than this. He comes into this without a recent run under his belt. He goes well fresh, so lack of run is no bother. Admittedly, he faces some unexposed stayers here, but he's clearly the class act in this field.

Moodofthemoment is an 8-year-old chestnut gelding by Shantou with a 20% win rate and 33% place rate, he has a strong staying ability and preference for this genuine ground. Rated 112, he ran creditably last time but was unsuited by a sharp 2m and now looks ready to return to this more suitable 2m4f trip. He has won three times in cheekpieces and generally runs his race when allowed to bowl along near the pace. William Maggs claims a useful 5lb which helps, and trainer Danny Thompson has a solid record freshening up chasers after short breaks. Looks one for an each way here if allowed his rhythm early and off this workable mark.