the prophet

Unexposed 6yo, just four starts over hurdles, form 2133. Two very narrow handicap defeats last month after coming back from a twelve-month break. The form was boosted from the first of those two latest runs. Fitness should be spot on now. Still on a nice mark, top jockey in the saddle, and should be ready for a big run.

Just five starts over hurdles for the 6yo, finishing a close third and second in his two handicap runs after coming off a six-month break. The field was quite strung out in his last race, beaten by a useful-looking type who has run a big race since. Plenty of room for improvement from the selection, and he’s facing much lower-rated rivals now.

Two starts over hurdles for the 5yo, ex-PTP winner. He was a little disappointing four weeks ago when finishing third in a maiden hurdle, albeit a decent-looking contest. There is plenty to like about his debut run: he was runner-up and beaten just 2L by a 132-rated winner, who has since gone very close in a Grade 2 contest. The selection can bounce back in this maiden hurdle and has the added help of a very good apprentice claiming a useful 5 lb.

The 4yo was very average over hurdles earlier in the year, but a couple of breaks from the track and some give in the ground saw him in a much better light last month when winning a 10-runner handicap, the front two pulling 14 lengths clear of the rest. He’s actually 2 lb better off at the weights now, with a good claiming apprentice in the saddle, and hopefully the selection can build on that win.

Just two starts over fences for 6yo, both recently after coming off a six month break. Held up and not showing a great deal but I feel they were just prep/ fact learning runs and we could see him in a better light now. He has a good engine, first or second in seven hurdle races, posting good ratings. On an attractive handicap mark now. Just one previous run at this track, beaten under a length over this 20f trip during the summer over hurdles, and this handicap chase could be the target.

The selection was a runner-up over this 2??"4f C/D five weeks ago, not troubling the winner late on, but she was returning from a seven-month break, not given a hard time, and should be better for the run. She’s still only a 7yo and can still progress. Rated higher in the past and down to a very winnable mark now.

Two runs this campaign for the 7-year-old. Below par four weeks ago, but he did run a big race on his return in early November, beaten just 2L in the 17-runner Sefton Handicap Chase. Same mark for this handicap, and better ground will be a positive for him.

Unexposed 6yo mare. Just two hurdle starts. A close runner-up on her debut during Oct. She won a 14-runner maiden hurdle by 3L five weeks ago, never in trouble; the rest were well beaten. She could be better than her opening handicap mark of 110, and the step up in trip should benefit this ex-PTP winner.

The 10-year-old has not been over-raced in his career, and he has four chase wins to his name. He seems in good shape. He was only a length down when falling at the last on his return in late October. He was only beaten a short head over this 20.5f course and distance during January in a similar £50K+ handicap chase. He is 2 lb lower now, and the better ground can help his chances.

Just five starts over fences for the 8yo: two wins, two narrow defeats, and the only blip came in Grade 1 company. Back from a seven-month break in early November and was only beaten 4L in a useful Listed chase, which should put him spot on for this £26K handicap chase. He won a competitive 12-runner, £51K handicap over this 20f C/D during February and should be a big player in this contest.

Lightly raced 7yo who won this Grade 2 hurdle last year. Two narrow defeats this campaign, and his fitness should be good now. No problem with the quicker ground. I feel the short-priced fav still has to prove himself at this Graded level after a handicap win six weeks ago.

Lightly raced 7yo, looking progressive. Three hurdle wins and runner-up twice. Two runs this campaign: a winner in October on his return, then a close 4th of 17 six weeks ago in a quality £57K handicap. Top yard/jockey. More improvement possible. Conditions in his favour. Same mark as his last run and now racing in an £18K handicap.