Worcester 2:38 Result

At The Oche is the clear improver in this field - form figures 5222-1 show consistent placing before a recent win, with Dan Skelton/Harry Skelton combo among the strongest handler/jockey pairings in the code. At just 5yo with an OR of 117 he looks to have more upside than the older, more exposed types like Coastguard Station (10) or Homme Public (9) who carry similar or higher marks but with less scope for progression. His last-time-out victory came fresh off a string of good efforts (2-2-2 before the 1), suggesting he's arrived at his true level and is still improving into fences. The step up in class/competitive nature of this qualifier suits a horse on the up rather than one merely holding form. Weight of 165lbs is fair given his rating, and the Skeltons' record with novice/young chasers stepping into competitive handicaps is excellent. Pep Talking is the other in-form runner (21-221) but is 8yo and more exposed at this trip/level - fair each-way alternative but I prefer the scope of the younger horse. Coastguard Station's course form and experience make him a threat but the 62-426 sequence shows more inconsistency than the selection, and 56 days since his last run adds a slight query. At The Oche looks the classiest and freshest of the leading contenders, fits the stronger yard, and the price should still reflect square/slightly boosted market rating rather than true confidence in a horse that beat placed rivals last time.