Stratford preview: Porters War primed for battle

Porters War looked as good as ever when runner-up on seasonal reappearance and can go one better to land the 2m 3f feature handicap chase on this evening’s six-race card at Stratford (20.00).

The Jeremy Scott trained 13-year-old went down all guns blazing when beaten just 1/2 a length in a 2m 6f contest at this venue, and the pair pulled miles clear of the rest.

Sporting Boy has also come out and won since to give the form a solid look, and Porters War looks nicely treated off just 2lb higher.

Connections are also off-setting the rise by putting up jockey Matt Griffiths who is good value for his 3lb claim, and Porters War is just 4lb higher than when last successful at Newcastle 11 months ago.

Although Porter’s War is not getting any younger, his form looks really solid in the context of this contest and everything suggests he is the one to beat.

El Massivo has shaped with plenty of promise in his last three starts and can open his account over the obstacles in the 2m maiden hurdle that gets proceedings underway (18.30).

The Brian Ellison trained gelding has hit the frame on each occasion, and the form of his second to Sweet Deal at Aintree reads really well.

El Massivo was also far from disgraced last time out over hurdles when third at Hexham, and has since shown improved form on the flat and comes into the contest on the back of a battling success at Ayr.

Off an official rating of 119, the five-year-old sets a decent standard and can make his experience tell to get the better of John Ferguson’s hurdling debutante Personable.

Jockey Richard Johnson has made a flying start to the new season, and Multiview can provide him with another winner in the 2m 6f handicap hurdle (18.30).