Stratford 5:40 Result

Top-weights Bells Of Ufford and Brionywells carry the highest OR (90) but both are inconsistent (P54-25, 48-114) and Brionywells is 74 days off. French Diablo's recent form reads 68-P31, showing a clear upward trajectory with a win last time out (31 finish reading as improving) and a solid run before that. At 4yo with only a handful of starts, he looks progressive, is racing off a fair mark of 82 (light weight of 154lbs), and David Bass takes over from a yard that clearly has him working well. The step up in trip to 2m6f on good-to-firm shouldn't be an issue given hurdlers with stamina bred (Buck's Boum/Martaline lines are middle-distance influences). Captain Connor is also lightly raced and interesting but his profile (48P-78) is more moderate and less clearly progressive than French Diablo's. Delgany Second Now is well-connected (Skelton yard) but his 5-775 form is workmanlike rather than progressive, and he looks more of an each-way type than a banker. Kotgar, Mc'flo and Pink Walls are all racing off much lower marks and look up against it in a competitive novices' handicap. French Diablo's improving profile, lighter weight, and positive trainer/jockey booking make him the value angle over the more exposed, higher-rated market principals.