the prophet

Not the most consistent 8-year-old. Three career wins and runner-up five times. Capable on his day. Interesting that he is now making his AW debut. He was beaten 2L in Meydan two runs back and is not a write-off yet. Last August he was a good 5th of 27 in the high-quality £129K Stewards' Cup handicap. With the jockey's claim in this handicap, he is effectively a huge 20 lb better off from that run. He could be a big player in this Class 3 handicap if he takes to the surface.

Good career stats from this ex-Irish-trained 5yo. He has the joint-highest rating in this Listed contest. Consistent: first, second, or third in 16 of 22 races. He's making his UK debut after a winter break and can be a big player.

The 5yo was below par in the second half of last year, but a six-month break should have him fresh and ready. His highest RPR was on his return run last spring, which came in a useful-looking Listed contest. He then posted five 100+ ratings in six starts. He's on a handy mark now for this handicap. Just one previous career run on this Polytrack surface, and he wasn’t beaten far that day.

Lightly raced 4yo filly. Below par in two runs last autumn, but hopefully she’ll be fresh and stronger after a five-month break. She did run well in a couple of Listed races in the first half of last year, including at this track on her return in 2025. She’s on a handy-looking mark for this handicap and looks overpriced.

Consistent 4yo, first or second in 7 of 10 races. He was a very close runner-up in two useful £52K turf handicap races last summer, and he has plenty of ability. Improvement possible after six months off the track. Just one previous run on the polytrack, which resulted in a win. It could be a quick-fire AW double for trainer Johnstone and jockey Shepherd.

The 4yo filly ran in Group 1 company in four of her last five races and was not beaten far in three of those races. Very good RPR ratings. She's coming off a five-month break, but she should be a player at this Listed level. The trip could be on the short side for the current favourite.

The 6-year-old ran well at Group 1 level as a 3-year-old. He returned to the UK last year after a spell in the Middle East. He had some solid form last year, including three good runs and strong RPR ratings over this 8f course and distance. He was only beaten 2 lengths in this race last year when finishing 5th of 22, staying on strongly from the rear. A good apprentice is in the saddle now, and he’s effectively 12 lb better off at the weights this year.