the prophet

This 8yo has been rated higher in the past. Good form this campaign: 24213. He has been running in very good company. The form of his last two handicap runs has been boosted. He was beaten by just 3L when last seen by two runners rated 144 and 159. He could have another big run in him, and an eleven-week break will have freshened him up. This 16f trip on slow ground is ideal.

Three career runs for the 3yo filly. Form: 211. She won a 14-runner Group 3 when last seen, the front two pulling clear; the runner-up has boosted the form. Hopefully some more improvement after a seven-month break. Ryan Moore is now in the saddle, and she ticks the boxes for this Group 3 contest.

The ground was probably against this 6-year-old five weeks ago. He was a very close third in his previous race, an £85K Grade 3 handicap. He's only 1 lb higher for this £25K contest. Strong jockey booking.

Just one career run for the 3yo colt. He was a cosy 2L winner of a novice stakes last Oct, with another 5L back to third, and earned a big RPR rating. Improvement over the winter is very possible and he could be a big player in this Group 3 contest. He does have an entry for the English and Irish Derby.

Excuses for this 6yo last time out, which was the top 16f race, the Champion Hurdle at the Festival. Now back in handicap company. He was an impressive winner of a 15-runner, £87K handicap hurdle on his previous start, winning by a huge 15L. He is top weight in this contest by a good margin, but his RPR ratings do suggest he can cope with it. His class can win the day.

The 8-year-old mare aimed a little too high six weeks ago. She faces calmer waters now, but she had come into that race after two narrow defeats and a 5L win. More consistent than most of these rivals, she is still on a handy mark, with a good jockey in the saddle.

The 4yo has 3 wins from 11. He improved again in the second half of last year, going close in a high-quality, 20-runner £103K handicap on his final start. He has the benefit of a return run and was not beaten far in the £77K Lincoln Handicap last month, coming from a little too far back. He now has Oisin Murphy taking over in the saddle for the £36K handicap.

The 7yo has progressed nicely in this campaign, form 1201. The form of his narrow defeat three starts back has been boosted. He looked good when winning a £57K Grade 3 handicap when last seen. He jumped and travelled well, was asked to quicken after the second last, and was never in trouble when sprinting through the line ??" that form has been boosted since. He is only slightly higher in the weights now and looks like there’s plenty left in the tank. An attractive mark and a recent two-month break should have him set for a big run in this £112K Scottish Grand National Chase.