The in-form trainer with a 'good opportunity' to enhance 38 per cent course strike-rate in Wetherby handicap hurdle

Harry Derham has a 38 per cent strike-rate at Wetherby and the in-form trainer will hope to coax a bit more from Il Va De Soi, racing off a career-high BHA rating of 122 but shaped like he might be capable of defying that mark when second at Sandown 19 days ago.

Il Va Da Soi travelled like the best horse for a long way, but finished tired on the uphill run to the line and likely needed it. That was his first start in ten weeks, following his return at Cheltenham in November, and plenty of Derham’s runners had been held up in their training.

The trainer’s gallop was a victim of the weather earlier in the season, but his runners are right back now and the stable has a 25 per cent strike-rate in the past fortnight. There's every chance Il Va De Soi can step forward from his Sandown effort and go one better.

However, he'll need to because Hardy Du Seuil sets a good standard off top weight. He's had just three starts at Wetherby and been placed twice.

Hardy Du Seuil also boasts one of the strongest pieces of recent form in this race, finishing a close fifth on Winter Million weekend at Windsor. That may be good enough.

At a bigger price, American Sniper could run well but he failed to build on a good effort at Cheltenham in November when a well-held third at this track last time. That was his first outing at this course, so he must prove he's effective around these tight left turns.
Analysis by Graeme Rodway

Ground update

The going is good to soft, soft in places. There's an unsettled forecast with up to 4mm of rain forecast in showers. Temperatures are anticipated to linger about 5C. 

What they say

Jamie Snowden, trainer of Hardy Du Seuil
He never really got into last season but he's come back this season in good order. He was a good second first time out and then ran a belter under Will [Featherstone, rider] in a good race on Winter Million weekend. We want to win this race too, but he'll go to the Imperial Cup afterwards.

Dan Skelton, trainer of West To The Bridge
He isn't getting any younger but he runs consistently. The handicapper has given him half a shout but a little bit lower wouldn't do any harm. He'll probably go and run really well, but at his age we'd love to get his head in front once more. He's in good form, though, and never runs badly.

Sam Thomas, trainer of Range
We're on recovery mission after two falls over fences. Going back over them would be the plan in the long term. We just need to get some numbers by his name and get him at the right end of the winner's enclosure first.  

Harry Derham, trainer of Il Va De Soi
He ran well at Sandown and I was pleased with that. I'd like to think all of my horses are improving for a run at the minute. This looks a good opportunity and I'm hoping he can run very well.

AJ O'Neill, joint-trainer of Highlands Legacy
He ran a lovely race the last day in Wincanton and obviously he was coming off quite a long break. He's not the simplest so I have no idea how much improvement there is in him, but hopefully we can keep building from here.

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