the prophet

This 4yo has three wins from four over hurdles. Being twice a winner on good ground is positive. He was an easy 10L winner of a novice stakes two weeks ago ??" a nice prep for this £51K handicap prize. He was a very close third in a juvenile Grade 3 in his previous race. The first and fourth have both run well twice at Grade 1 level since, earning high ratings. The selection has an attractive opening handicap mark.

The 4yo was progressive last year, winning three times on good/form ground ??" the forecast going is good/form. Still on a handy mark based on his RPR ratings. Two runs this spring should put him on top of his game. He was not disgraced in a strong Group 3 contest last time out. Much calmer waters now in this handicap.

The 8-year-old has 5 wins from 11 over fences. Just two runs since last May, and he will have plenty of freshness about him. He posted a high RPR rating three weeks ago??"a narrow handicap defeat off a high racing mark. Harry Cobden now takes over in the saddle. He loves the quicker ground and is rated to go well in this Grade 2 chase.

Lightly raced 4yo, 3 wins from 9 on turf. In good shape, a close 3rd in a decent Listed contest four weeks ago, and posting a big RPR rating. He can build on that run. Strong jockey booking and on a winnable handicap mark.

This 8-year-old has three Grade 1 wins on his CV and can add another with a win in this race. He will be fresh after just three runs this campaign, and in two of those races he has posted career-high RPR ratings and might not have reached his peak yet. Jonbon has had four hard Grade 1 races this year and is a 10-year-old now. Questions about Thistle Ask, who missed Cheltenham and Aintree.

Hopefully a six-week break will be enough recovery time for the 8yo who ran a big race in the Midlands National last time out, finishing 2nd of 16 that day. The fourth home was tailed off, and only five finished the race. The 1st and 3rd both ran a big race in the recent Scottish National. Same mark for this handicap and no problem with the 28.5f trip. He posted a career-high JT RPR rating during November when winning a decent handicap by 11L, which is positive as the win came on good ground.

Coventry were crowned champions after a 5-1 win on Tuesday. You would expect that there would have been some celebrations, and it wouldn't be unexpected if they weren't fully committed in this match. Wrexham are in a battle for a play-off spot and will be giving everything.