the prophet

The 4yo has 1 win from 5, was runner-up twice, and is still not fully exposed. He was a good second of 10 four weeks ago, staying on nicely and easily having the measure of the rest. He was beaten by a good-looking John Gosden-trained runner that day. Strong jockey booking for tonight, and this slightly longer trip should suit the selection.

Lightly raced 4yo filly. Back from a seven-month break with narrow defeats in her three AW races in maiden/novice company. I like the fact that she was well clear of the third in all three races. A handicap mark of 65 gives her every chance at this low level.

Average form from the 5yo last year, but he was racing off a much higher mark. Better form recently, with two narrow defeats last month, including a close 3rd of 14 over this 7f C/D, splitting two decent types who were both on top of their game. A slightly lower mark now and a much better jockey in the saddle.

The 6-year-old mare has ability. She finished first or second in six races. She wasn't great last year but ran better last week after coming off a ten-week break, finishing a close 2nd of 10 over this course and distance, with the rest coming home in single file. The winner has won again since. She was a little too far back when making her challenge that day, and the jockey should have a better feel in this contest.

The 8-year-old is capable on his day. Eight wins and placed in eleven other races. Only beaten 2L two weeks ago ??" not the clearest of runs ??" and he seems in good shape. That was a Class 5 handicap with a couple of 67+ rated runners in front of him that day. He has a slightly lower mark now and is running in a weak-looking 0-58 Class 6 handicap.

Just eight career runs from the 4yo, getting his act together in his last two starts last month. He was beaten just 2L and followed that with a runner-up finish. The apprentice jockey for those two rides doesn't have good stats, and he’s in much better hands now. He faced decent Class 5 rivals in those two races and is now running in a weak Class 6 handicap.

The 7yo is useful. Six career wins, three of those wins at this track. Below par in his last two runs, but he had posted three high ratings in defeat from his four previous runs, two of those in good Class 2 company. He’ll be fresh after a two-month break and ran well after a similar break during June. He’s weighted to go well in this Class 3 handicap.

Unexposed 4yo. Three career runs, form 011. Impressive 2L novice stakes win under a penalty last time out, in a fast time, looking strong once getting into full stride. A high 87 opening handicap mark, but his RPR rating does suggest he’ll be fine with it, and the trainer has been patient with him ??" two months since his last run. Room for more progress.

The 5yo has probably not been the easiest to train, but he does have 2 wins from 9. His last AW race was four runs back, on this surface at Southwell, and he was not beaten far in a much stronger handicap than this race. He is much better off at the weights now in a weaker race. Coming off a five-month break might give him a spark.