sixthformer

Gordon Elliott plays a strong hand with three runners entered in this Grade 2 novices' hurdle. The most exciting of these has to be Port Authority, who was really settled in running in a maiden hurdle before outstaying Galway bumper winner Murat (in front of Doctor Steinberg) and going clear, looking like 2m4f would suit well.

A chance is taken on Hititi, who is a soft-ground horse. Five wins from 19 starts over hurdles and went down by only a neck in the 2023 renewal of this race off a current mark of 130. Actually dropped four pounds since the reappearance effort, which may have been needed.

Richmond Lake's best effort yet came when a fourteen-length winner of the last running of this race in 2023. Solid second to the classy Imperial Saint over course and distance since. Travelled strongly on first start back since wind surgery last time, before fading late in a Class 2 hurdle at Bangor. Donald McCain's stable has been in good form. Seven pounds below the mark from which he won this race in 2023. Lots to like about Richmond Lake's chances today.

Afadil has become very well handicapped again. Harry Cobden (SR 34%) carries just 10-03 in this race, which gives Afadil a strong chance. Talented, quirky at times in the past, the hurdler has won 4 of 24 hurdle starts. Close third behind Go Dante in the Imperial Cup over course and distance in March (five pounds better off today). Made a seasonal reappearance in a decent Class 2 contest at Ascot (unsupported that day). This is Afadil's second start back from wind surgery. Paul Nicholls' trained six-year-old makes much appeal from this low in the handicap.

Not easy. Val Dancer was poor on reappearance and might have the Welsh National (winner last year) as the target, but is well handicapped here. Five wins from ten starts over fences, four of those in excess of three miles. Stays well. Suited by soft going. Trainer Mel Rowley had a recent winner. Jockey Charlie Hammond (SR 23%) is going well. Strangely poor effort last time following form figures of 11133112. Allotted 10st 6lb, Val Dancer must have a shout.

From very low in the handicap (OR 119, 10-02), Sunray Shadow catches the eye for trainer Dan Skelton. Won a Class 3 maiden hurdle over course and distance in October 2024. Unsupported in the market on his first run for eleven months at Newbury last time (probably an inadequate trip of two miles). Unexposed and interesting in this company. Tristan Durrell (SR 22%) claims 3 lb.