Headford View has been in fine form recently with efforts of 71 and 65 at A3 level sandwiching a tremendous 80 when winning at A4. His form trajectory is clearly upward — 48, 54, 63, 80, 65, 71 reads as a dog who has found his level and is improving with every run. He is a balanced all-rounder with good speed for this field and excellent track and distance suitability at 46 each, confirming he handles Sunderland well. The significant concern is his trap suitability of just 5, which is very poor, and trap 1 at 14.77% is structurally weak. He needs to overcome a structural headwind, but his rising form and class edge may be enough. Trainer McNicholas at 24% knows the venue well.