the prophet

Lightly raced 4yo, 2 wins from 8, progressive last year and no reason why he can't step up again this year. He went very close last August over this 12f trip in a strong £152K Group 2 contest and has plenty of ability. He should fit after a good recent return run. The short-priced fav ran in five turf races last year??" all Group 1 level. I think he might not be fully tuned up on his return as he now races in this Group 3 contest. He's giving 4 lb away and could be worth taking on.

A consistent 7yo who has 8 career wins on turf and solid stats at this track. A better effort two weeks ago and could be ready to strike off this winnable mark. He was 3rd of 13 in that last race, behind a smart winner who was raised 9 lb, and he was just a head behind the runner-up. This race is not as strong, and it's his first run in a Class 4 turf race since he was a 3yo.

The 3yo filly was a debut winner last Sept, posting a good rating. A good trainer, Ralph Beckett, has been patient with her, and she makes her return in this Listed contest. She does have an entry in the English and Irish Group 1 Oaks races, and they'll be hoping she can land this contest before going on to better things. Her main rival was beaten 6L recently.

A nice £226K to the winner of this Group 1 contest. Three runs last autumn for the O'Brien-trained 4yo, and he suffered three narrow defeats at the highest level in France, Ascot Champions Day and at the Breeders' Cup. He was a Listed winner four weeks ago on his return and looks set for a good year. That win was on very soft ground, and he proved to be better on quicker ground last year. Ryan Moore in the saddle.

Lightly raced 4yo filly. She was a C/D winner this time last year and followed that by winning a £52k 14-runner handicap by 2L. She had excuses in a couple of strong races last autumn. She was a good third two weeks ago after coming off a seven-month break, which should set her up nicely for this race. Dropping down to Class 3 company should help her chances.

The 3yo got going too late two weeks ago on his return but should be better for the run. This is a big drop in class, now running in Listed company. A very narrow defeat in a French Group 1 last Aug and he followed that by winning a useful Newmarket Group 1 four weeks later. He is a previous C/D winner. He has a penalty for this contest but has drifted out to a nice price.

Lightly raced 4yo. Three runs for a new yard this year. A respectable effort at Pontefract last month and he could be finding his form. Four previous runs at this track: a C/D win and two narrow defeats. On a handy-looking mark and with a strong jockey booking.

The 3yo has 2 wins from 5. He was only 4th on his return three weeks ago, but he wasn't beaten far and it was a strong-looking handicap. He sat a close 2nd, but they had gone too quick and he paid at the finish. He battled on well; the leader had faded away tamely and the first three had come from well off the pace. He can be better for that run. This longer trip could suit him and he has every chance off his current mark. He could be overpriced.

Two runs last month after being gelded over the winter. Only beaten around a length three weeks ago in a strong handicap over this 6f trip. However, he got no cover that day. He was very headstrong in the first half of the race but still hit the line strongly. It was just his third career start on turf. Same mark for this handicap, and Oisin Murphy now takes over in the saddle.