Fontwell 5:15 Verdict

Delgany Second Now is the clear form pick: recent figures 5-7751 show him rounding into form with a win last time out, and running again just 3 days ago suggests he's fit, sharp and the Skelton team are pressing on with him rather than resting. Dan Skelton and Harry Skelton combine at a strong course/yard strike rate, and this is exactly the type of light-weight, well-handicapped novice they specialise in improving with quickly. His OR of 81 is competitive without being top-rated, but the trajectory (7-7-5-1) is the most progressive in the field — he's actually winning right now, unlike most of his rivals who are searching for form. Kotari carries the highest OR (91) and has útil form figures, but has had a break of 84 days and his profile (53/34-) shows more middle-of-the-road efforts than a horse in visible form. Uncle Remus ran last week but his finish (P) suggests a below-par run, and his best figures are stale. Khalk'eau Spigao and Onehundredneighty are workmanlike but out of form or lightly progressive, while North Account and Wise Counsellor look up against it on official ratings and recent efforts (0-0-U-6-6, 6-7-8-6). The pace and shape of this small 7-runner novice handicap should suit a horse fit and racing confidently, and Delgany Second Now's rapid turnaround with a win fits that profile perfectly. Weight of 159lbs is workable, and stepping up in class slightly from a similar-level success is a sensible trainer move rather than a stretch. He looks the most solid, in-form contender at a fair price relative to a well-touted favourite like Kotari, who is unproven fresh off a long layoff.