sixthformer

At 14-1, a chance is taken on Brentford Hope. He hasn't been running well (over fences the last twice), but last year's Grade 2 Elite Hurdle success and second to Constitution Hill here in January evidence the class of Brentford Hope at his best. Five wins from 17 hurdle starts and the seven-pound claim of Megan Fox is interesting at least (this jockey has had little racecourse success). Trainer Harry Derham is going okay. Officially the race is only a Class 3, kind of strangely (it's much hotter than that).

The 1:50 is a good race (a Class 1 Premier Handicap Chase), and King Turgeon is my selection from a low weight of 10 st 2 lb. Three-lengths winner off a rating of 133 last year on good to soft (OR 136 today). Good effort in the Grand Sefton at Aintree (which he also won last year) last time; not beaten far. A contender once again. 11/2 seems a little short price-wise. Jack Tudor rides for David Pipe.

Well supported in the market when leaving his effort a bit late behind the impressive jumping display of Eldorado Allen over course and distance here last time. It was a promising performance (beaten five lengths in third place), and this Evan Williams-trained ten-year-old may have a shout from very low in the handicap once again. Slightly better racing ground may help. Ben Jones replaces Brian Hughes for the ride today.

Quite strong market movement, unsurprisingly, for Emmet Mullins (SR 17%)??"trained Jarrive De Lest. Five chase wins in France, and has been purchased by owner Paul Byrne. By strong staying sire It's Gino. Allotted 10 st 5 lb here. Fairly deep race for an initial outing for the new stable, but a good opportunity for connections to get a quick return from their purchase.

The betting market is pretty keen on the chances of Natalia Lupini (SR 20%), trained Final Melody. Improved to make all and score a first success on her nursery debut over course and distance three weeks ago. American-bred filly by Starman. This is harder, but she looked speedy last time.

Andy Oliver-trained. Raven's Pass 3yo ran well when last seen here on its second handicap start, meeting some trouble in running, third of 14 in a decent handicap. Back from a break now with Julian Pietropaolo claiming a four-pound allowance. Chance if ready.

At 4-1 Gold Inn may offer a little value in this weak maiden. Many have disappointed so far. Andrew Slattery-trained, seven furlongs suits on pedigree and decent debut effort when fifth of 14 over course and distance back in October. The current favourite ran well last time but runs for an inexperienced stable.

Interesting handicap in which many have good claims, although some of the principal contenders are not well drawn. Denis Hogan and orange-silk owner James Macaulay had recent winners here and run two. Dontspoilasale hasn't backed up the form of his course-and-distance three-length win here a month ago but is well drawn in stall 1 and, like many, has a chance.

Again a good few with fair chances. Serengeti Sunrise is drawn in stall 1. Carries 8 stone 10 pounds off OR 40. Back in April 2025 this 4yo (who is 1 win from 10 on AW) led and was only beaten a short head over 7 furlongs at Gowran Park, so is capable of running well. Trainer career stats are a worry, but second race back at Dundalk with Wesley Joyce claiming 3 lbs, I'm sort of tempted.

Autocrat has won 5 times in 25 all-weather starts and so looks value at double-figure odds to score. Handicap mark has dropped from 72 to 66 after three rather poor efforts at Dundalk this autumn. Slowly away last time. Wins have come at a bit shorter, but was keeping on when last ran over 1m4f. Dick Donohoe (SR 33%) doesn't have many runners but had a winner over hurdles with the penultimate runner. Patrick McGettigan (SR 38%) claims 7 lbs. Tidy!