the prophet

The 5yo was a nice hurdle winner last week on his fourth jump start. This longer trip should suit him. Smart on the flat, rated 82, suited by the better ground, and his new higher hurdle mark still looks very attractive given his flat ability.

Two good runs from the 4yo after wind surgery during December. Only beaten by a nose over this 8f C/D five weeks ago. Good RPR rating posted. Something to build on, and he was rated much higher last year.

Four career runs for the 3yo, form 3133. Two narrow defeats in his two runs this year. A career-high RPR rating posted three weeks ago, which was his polytrack debut, and maybe the front-running didn’t suit him. On a winnable mark, and the returning jockey was in the saddle when winning by a cosy 2L last Oct.

The 3yo was beaten under 2L last time out over this 6f C/D ten weeks ago. Awkward start, at the back and not getting a clear run. A good draw for this handicap, a 3 lb lower mark, lower-rated rivals and Oisin Murphy in the saddle.

Consistent 5yo: first, second, or third in 11 of 15 hurdle runs. Below par in his last two runs, but a two-month break should see him freshened up for this 0-120 rated handicap. He finished second and third in two races towards the end of last season, effectively 11 lb better off now with a good apprentice in the saddle. He was 2nd of 13 last October behind a runner who ran a big race at the festival off a 135 rating.

Just two career runs for the 3yo filly. She was a close 2nd of 12 on her debut in February. She was then a nice 2L maiden winner last month. The front two were well clear of the rest, the runner-up being a decent yardstick who has boosted the form since. An opening handicap mark of 70 for the selection could be lenient.

Excuses at Newcastle last week for the 4yo filly, but she has run two big races over this 7f C/D this year. She won over the C/D in January, and last month she was beaten by just 1/2L in a Class 2 handicap over this C/D. Same mark for this Class 4 handicap, now helped by a good low draw and a good apprentice claiming 5 lb in the saddle.

The 6-year-old mare has six wins on the AW and she has progressed again in the last six months. Back-to-back wins at the end of last year. Only beaten 1/2 length at Wolverhampton four weeks ago. She's best judged on her last Polytrack run when beaten just 2 lengths over this 2m trip during December, beaten by two 84-rated runners. She's much better off at the weights now, with a good apprentice booked for this 0-80 contest.

Things have not really gone to plan in his two runs this year, but he’s had a nice seven-week break, a slight drop in grade for this handicap, and is weighted to go well. The 4yo is a previous C/D winner and went very close in his final two starts last year, posting good RPR figures. He has a good low draw for this sprint, and I expect him to go forward early.

The 6yo is useful on his day and is on a winnable mark. Back from a break last month with a big run, which sets him up for a shot at a nice £33K first prize. He was a good runner-up that day, losing out in the last 100 yards, and this shorter trip could be the answer. A few runners behind were rated higher than the rivals he now faces.