the prophet

Four runs this winter for the 6yo this year, winning once ??" a 15-runner handicap ??" and two big runs in defeat in which the form has been given a nice boost since. Excuses last time out in a Grade 3 contest on heavy ground. Still on a handy mark and a strong jockey booking.

The 5-year-old has 3 wins from 11 and improved again last year. He has the second-highest rating for this Listed race. The yard is in great form, with 44 winners for a huge 30% strike rate this year. Oisin Murphy is in the saddle. He receives 5 lb from the favorite, who might need his return run.

The 6yo has 3 wins from 8 over hurdles. Much improved this winter after coming off an eight-month break and looks like a type to take another step forward. He has 2 wins from 3 this winter. Impressive 6L winner of an eighteen-runner handicap last time out, winning with the minimum of fuss. Will be fresh after a seven-week break and shouldn’t be far away despite a higher mark.

The unexposed 5-year-old is an interesting runner, now with top jumps trainer Dan Skelton. Just four career runs, form 1233. His last run was over hurdles, only beaten 2 lengths and earned a good rating. He was a very close runner-up for his Irish trainer on his second start last August. The third from that race then ran a close second of 17 in a quality handicap and then won the £273K Cesarewitch Handicap. The winner from that race has run well since at a high level, rated 14 lb higher now on a 108 rating. The selection is running off an 83 rating. Strong jockey booking.

£51K to the winner of this handicap chase. Four runs for the selection this winter. Back to form four weeks ago when beaten just a length in a similar veteran's handicap chase. Well clear of some high-rated rivals. Top yard/jockey. A 10-year-old now but is still a youngster against most of these rivals and was rated 9 lb higher this time last year.

The 6-year-old is a previous 5f C/D winner and is suited by some give in the ground. He had some near misses last year and is on a handy mark now. He has solid stats when returning from a break. A wind-op since his last run could help his chances. He was beaten a length in this handicap last year and is 7 lb better off now.

The 6yo has 2 wins from 8 over fences. Two runs this winter after a five-month break. A return hurdle run before a respectable 3rd of 13 two weeks ago over fences. No chance with the front two after jumping 2 out, but it was a good-quality £21K Class 2 handicap. He can build on that run, and he has a 2 lb lower mark in this £7K Class 4 handicap.