Almost back to the mark defied on last May's Warwick chasing debut (2m, good), down 2lb more despite an okay third in first-time blinkers (retained) at Plumpton latest; slight ease in class on ground that suits.
Wins this all day on back class (RPRs peaked at 164 in 2020), but he lost his way in 2022-23 and second place (beaten 23l; made mistakes) on his stable debut in March owed plenty to others' mishaps; down in class and dropped another 5lb, but still couldn't have absolute faith in a revival.
20l behind Force De Frap at Stratford in March, but significant return to form at Bangor since, just failing to get up in time (2m1f, soft); still well treated on 2023's winning form despite a 3lb re-raise, and just a matter of whether a sharp 2m on good is too much of a speed test now.
Underwhelming handicap hurdle debut last time needs forgiving, and good ground would ask a fresh question; eased 3lb since, however, and as a nephew of a Graded 2m chase winner in Landofhopeandglory he may yet take to fences in spite of his Flat breeding; interesting.
Free-goer who is still to follow up 2022's Wincanton 1m7f wins (hurdle/chase); irregular heartbeat and soft ground excuse last two runs, but nowhere to hide here with trip, ground and mark all perfect.
Becoming ever more versatile, winter's Bangor and Ludlow wins being his first on soft or slower; handicapper has appeared to have his measure the last twice, a scruffy round of jumping latest notwithstanding.
Should get some pace to come off, and both mark (5lb below his last winning one) and ground are perfect; absence since October is a concern, however, given all ten wins have come after breaks of six weeks or fewer.
Warwick (2m) and Worcester (2m4f) good-ground winner a year ago and 5lb higher than for the latter; laid a useful marker for the summer back here in March, albeit his jumping again lacked fluency.
1/4 Odds Place 1,2
( Pool guide displayed could change before the race starts & should be used as a guide only )
