Warwick 2:00 Verdict

Depalma has the strongest recent form in the field - his 1-2321 sequence shows a horse in good touch, winning and consistently placing, with his last run just 12 days ago suggesting he's fit and progressive. Trained by Dan Skelton, one of the most powerful yards for novice hurdles, with a strike rate that reflects a stable in good form. His OR of 102 is competitive and his weight of 164lbs (top weight) reflects that assessment. The quick turnaround from his last run suggests the yard are happy with him and pressing on while conditions/fitness are right. Compare this to Drombeg Lad (108 OR, similar profile with 3-4125 form) who is the obvious market rival, but Depalma's figures read a shade more progressive with the recent win in the sequence. Rhythm of Life (104 OR) and Eremenko (102 OR) both have question marks - Eremenko's form figure includes a pulled-up and fall, while Rhythm of Life's finishing position of 4 last time suggests plateauing. The rest of the field are lightly raced, unproven types with unknown or no official ratings, making them hard to assess with confidence in a competitive 14-runner novice hurdle. Given Depalma's proven course-and-distance winning class form, fitness, and being with a trainer who excels at placing horses to win in these small-field novice events, he looks the most solid, defendable selection based on figures alone rather than market assumption.