the prophet

Unexposed, 5-year-old. He won a 20-runner maiden hurdle by 7 lengths in December. He produced big runs in his next two starts in Grade 2 and Grade 3 novice hurdle races. The form looks strong: beaten by just 3 lengths and then by 3/4 length. He has a handy-looking opening handicap mark, a good jockey booking for this conditional riders’ handicap, and no problem with soft ground. He ticks all the right boxes.

Solid chase form from the 7yo this winter. Only beaten 2L in a useful Grade 2 novice chase during December. He was a good third at this track six weeks ago, just a neck behind the runner-up, who won a 27-runner £84K handicap at the festival by 7L on Tuesday. The selection is running off a lower mark now.

Lightly raced and progressive 7yo. Four runs this winter, form 1203. Only a neck behind the runner-up last time out in a Grade 3 handicap, but it was on heavy ground. He's best judged on his very close 2nd of 17 during Nov, which came on better ground in a strong Grade 3 handicap. Still on a handy-looking mark.

The unexposed 5yo has 2 wins from 4 over hurdles. He was 4th on his handicap debut last time out but only beaten by 4L, and the first and third have both given the form a good boost since and are now rated much higher. The selection has had a nice twelve-week break, is only a lb higher in the ratings, and further improvement is very possible.

Not too many miles on the clock for the 10yo. First or second in 6 of 12 runs over fences. He was a close 3rd of 26 in the Scottish National in '24 and is a few lb lower now for this Midlands National. Just five runs since, but was back on top of his game last time out, only beaten 3L in a useful £57K Grade 3 handicap, staying on well at the finish. It should set him up for a big run.

Three runs over fences for the 7yo, still unexposed, with a win and a narrow defeat to his name. Excuses last time out, but a seven-week break should see him in a better light. The form of his December win, which was over this C/D, has been boosted. Just a 4 lb higher mark now and the top jockey in the saddle.

Just six runs over fences for the 9yo. Two runs this winter, only beaten 4L and 2L in decent handicap races. He should have plenty of freshness about him for another big run. He's the runner who is proven off his current rating.