Downpatrick 3:22 Result

Jodoro tops the weights on official rating (95) by a big margin - 15lbs clear of the next highest rated horse (Xquise on 93) and effectively carrying weight that reflects his superior ability. His recent form (P9-7U5) is untidy but includes signs of ability, and a 28-day break is reasonable freshening. McLoughlin also fields Centaq, but Jodoro's superior rating makes him the class horse in this weak handicap. Xquise (93) is the closest on ratings but has been well held in two starts since a break and her form figures (76/0) are moderate, plus stepping up in company. Burlington House (90) has some in-the-frame form (0542-7) and looks the most consistent of the mid-pack, but is 5lbs behind Jodoro on the ratings and his been running without winning for a while. The rest of the field is rated in the 70s-80s and looks moderate handicap fare - Georginas Jet and Polly Poppins have been picking up minor places but lack the class edge. Given the significant weight-for-rating advantage in a small-field, moderate-class Div II handicap hurdle, Jodoro looks over-priced relative to his true ability if his forecast odds are mid-range, and represents the best combination of proven class and current fitness (fourth run back from a break, jockey booking with the yard's retained-type rider). I'll back him as the highest-rated and most likely to find his form returning to a sensible mark.