Wexford 7:07 Verdict

Kasper Hauser is a lightly-raced 4yo carrying top weight (163lbs) off a career-high OR of 114, but the form is emphatic: 2-5311, with two wins on the bounce and improving with every run over fences. He's clearly progressive, still young enough to keep getting better, and the last-time-out win 15 days ago shows he's fit and fresh with a quick turnaround suggesting a straightforward victory that hasn't blunted him. The blinkers (h) fitted have coincided with the improvement in form. Rivals like Farrokh and Sammy Smart share the same OR of 106 but neither shows the same trajectory - Farrokh's form figures include a U and his profile looks more workmanlike, while Sammy Smart at 10 with a P in his recent figures looks vulnerable and past his best. Catalani has a nice recent win but is stepping up in weight/class from a similar level. Luimneach for the McManus/O'Dwyer axis is interesting but his figures are inconsistent (02P-51) and he's already had a good race back. Kasper Hauser's rating of 114 is 8lbs clear of this field on official figures, and with a young, fast-improving chaser type this profile screams a handicapper who is still finding his form ceiling. The extra weight is a concern but talent typically wins out at this level, especially with a in-form yard (Coleman) and a jockey booking that suggests confidence. He looks the one to beat on pure ability and market support should reflect that logic.