the prophet

Just six runs over hurdles for the 6yo, runner-up twice. He was 2nd of 14 last time out, stepping up in trip that day over this 23f C/D. Never getting to the winner but stayed on nicely from the rear. Top jockey Harry Cobden rode him for the first time that day and should have a better feel for the runner now. The next five runners behind him that day were rated 112??"117 ??" no rival rated over 100 in this handicap.

The 9yo is in good shape. Two very narrow defeats in his three runs since November. Beaten under a length four weeks ago, 10 lengths clear of the rest ??" beaten by a progressive-looking and unexposed type. Worth another chance, and this handicap looks very average.

Just two runs over hurdles for the 7yo, both in maiden races. He didn't land a blow, finishing 3rd and 4th, but he ran well for a good way and was up against some useful rivals. Good yard and jockey. Improvement possible, a decent opening handicap mark, and he might get a more suitable pace in this race.

Lightly raced 7-year-old, switching to fences this winter, three runs. Excuses last time out: heavy ground, hampered, and early jumping errors. He was a 5-length winner on his chase debut. Beaten 3 lengths in his next chase, clear of the rest, and that winner has boosted the form since and is rated 16 lb higher now. Worth another chance.

Unexposed 7-year-old, three runs over hurdles. He was a maiden hurdle winner five weeks ago. The runner-up ran a big race on his next start but fell late on. The third, fourth and fifth from that maiden race all had experience and decent ratings, but they were beaten by 20 lengths. The selection has an attractive opening handicap mark.

The 4yo filly has been a runner-up in 4 of 9 starts. She made a debut for a new yard last week, beaten 3L but was too keen at the front that day. She was only beaten by a head off her current mark in late Dec, splitting two rivals rated 73 and 77. She has a good low draw for this handicap and is facing rivals rated 51??"65.

Decent form from the 3yo in recent races. Only beaten by just a nose two weeks ago, despite being too keen and not getting a clear run. He was a good runner-up over this 6f C/D during Jan, in a stronger handicap than this race. He has a good low draw and a strong jockey booking.

The 4yo filly was rated 12 lb higher last autumn but lost her in four subsequent runs over a much longer trip. She ran a big race for a new yard last week after dropping down to this 8f trip, beaten by just a neck in a 12-runner contest, which was much stronger than this 0-60 contest. She looks weighted to run a big race.