A competitive Class 3 contest featuring a mix of proven handicappers and improving sorts. Given the prevailing conditions and likely pace setup, this race could set up well for a strong-travelling type with stamina reserves.

Strongest Contender: IL VA DE SOI (4/1)

There’s plenty to like about IL VA DE SOI, who looks fairly handicapped based on his recent runs and could have more to offer under Alice Stevens’ 3lb claim. He’s a horse that stays well, and while he was beaten at Sandown last time, that was in a better race, and he still shaped as if in good heart. His previous form, including a win at Uttoxeter on soft ground, suggests he won’t be inconvenienced by today’s conditions.

Crucially, he’s been progressive over hurdles, and the way he travelled at Sandown last time suggests he remains ahead of the assessor. The sharp track at Wetherby should suit, and with a fair pace likely, he should be well placed to strike turning for home.

His TimeWise figures are among the strongest in the field, and given that he’s yet to be fully exposed in handicaps, he rates a solid selection.

Market Oversight: WEST TO THE BRIDGE (10/1)

At a bigger price, WEST TO THE BRIDGE is interesting and looks somewhat overlooked by the market. He’s run in some strong handicaps this season without being disgraced, and while he’s yet to fully fire, his back-class makes him dangerous off this mark.

Notably, this will be his first run at Wetherby, a track that often favours prominent runners, and he’s got one of the best jockey/trainer combinations in the field with Harry Skelton riding for Dan Skelton. This yard has a habit of getting horses back in form at the right time, and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see West To The Bridge travel well into the race before staying on strongly.

With the market focusing on the obvious candidates, he represents solid each-way value at double-figure odds, especially if the Skelton yard has him ready to go.

Verdict

🔹 IL VA DE SOI (4/1) – Strongest contender, progressive, well-suited to the trip and ground.
🔹 WEST TO THE BRIDGE (10/1) – Overlooked by the market, strong trainer/jockey combo, back-class makes him interesting.

Both horses should be suited to Wetherby’s sharp nature, and with a true pace likely, they can be right there at the finish.