the prophet

Braga have the better current domestic form coming into this game, and they deserved the 2-1 first-leg win. They also missed a penalty, saw plenty of the ball, and created the much better chances. The German side will have to be more positive in this game, which could leave them open at the back.

The 5yo is still a maiden on turf but he has been a close runner-up five times in good races. In good shape, a close 3rd of 24 in the Spring Cup handicap three weeks ago. Just two starts on the AW and he did produce a 6L novice win on his second career start. A run on a turning turf track could be the answer. He has a good low draw and Ryan Moore in the saddle.

The 7yo is still producing at a high level. He should be ready for this 18.5f flat handicap after a run four weeks ago in a Grade 1 hurdle race. He went very close in a quality £62K turf handicap last Aug and is on a slightly lower mark now. No problem with the track, and he went very close in this race in '24. He could still be getting stronger, finishing last year with back-to-back hurdle wins and posting good RPR ratings.

The 5yo is coming back from an eight-month break, but he won on his return last year. He followed that win with three solid efforts in defeat, including a 2L defeat in a 0-100, 14-runner handicap. He now has a 4 lb lower mark for this 0-80 handicap, and a low draw should improve his chances.

A consistent 5yo. He seems in good shape. He was a good 4th of 12 in a £90K AW handicap five weeks ago and can be a player in this £25K turf handicap, a few lb lower for this contest. He ran a big race at this track last Sept over a similar 2m trip, beaten just a length that day in an 11-runner £52K handicap.

A lightly raced 4yo filly, 2 wins from 7 on turf and placed three times. A big run from her four weeks ago, beaten by just a short head in a useful 13-runner handicap. That run was after coming off an eight-month break, and she can take a step forward. One of her wins came at this track last year, winning the Class 3 handicap by a cosy 2L ??" only asked for an effort late on. Still on a handy mark and every chance in this Class 4 apprentice riders' handicap. Good jockey booking.

The 5yo was an easy 2L winner on the AW three weeks ago, after coming off a seven-month break, earning a high RPR rating. It was not a great start that day and he raced wide early but had his rivals pushing a long way from home after taking up the running. It was pleasing, as it was just his second AW run and would have been a prep for his return to grass. He was progressive last year with three wins, has no problem on good/firm ground, and he can continue the upward curve.

The 7-year-old went chasing in his last campaign but should have no problem back over hurdles for this handicap. He was first or second in 6 of 10 hurdle runs. He looks to have improved since his last hurdle run, with back-to-back chase wins last October, earning a nice 145 rating and now runs off a 7 lb lower hurdle mark for this contest. There were solid excuses in a couple of Grade 1 chase runs this winter. Good jockey booking, and he could be overpriced.

The quick ground might not suit the O'Brien runners in this Listed contest. The Charlie Appleby-trained 3yo filly has 2 wins from 2, good ratings, William Buick in the saddle, and is going the right way.

The 5-year-old mare joined this yard last summer and had two wins and a very narrow defeat for them in '25. She has three high RPR ratings and two of those runs on decent turf ground. Back from a six-month break with a solid run during March??"sixth of 11 in an AW Listed race??"she was in the mix but outpaced late on. She wasn't far behind a couple of 112+ rated runners. This should set her up for this turf handicap. Good jockey booking and she runs off a handy-looking 87 mark.

The Ralph Beckett-trained 3yo could be the value in this Listed contest. He had 2 wins from 3 last year, earning a nice 97 rating. He has English and Irish Derby entries, and you could expect some improvement from his winter break. Trainers Appleby and O’Brien both have a runner in the race, but I don't think they are high in the pecking order at their yards.

The 8yo is a previous 7f C/D winner and should be sharper after a return run three weeks ago, coming off a six-month break. He ran some decent races in defeat in the first half of last year. The form backed up with four 97+ RPR ratings. Capable apprentice in the saddle ??" 8 winners and a 13% strike rate for this yard. With his claim, he's effectively running off a huge 23 lb lower mark than his return run last spring. Could be worth an EW shout.

The 5yo mare made steady progress as a 3yo and 4yo. Back from a seven-month break, she took another big step forward three weeks ago, winning an 18-runner handicap by 3L. She came from the rear, hit the front 0.5f out, and sprinted clear, earning a high rating. She can build on that run and is worth her place in this Group 3. Top jockey on board, and I'm not sure about most of these rivals on this quick ground.

Just six runs for the 4yo last year, and better things were expected. He won a strong maiden race over this 12f trip on his third career start. His next two runs were in the Derby and a Group 2 contest at Royal Ascot ??" not showing much. He did finish off with a cosy 2L handicap win when last seen. High rating posted. Chances that he needed another winter on his back before he shows his true potential. Still on a decent handicap mark.

A big run from the 4yo during April after coming off a five-month break, finishing a close 4th of 24 in a very competitive Class 2 handicap. Something to build on, and he is on the same mark for this Class 3 handicap, which is a much lower-calibre affair.