Improving chaser who scored tidily over C&D (good) three weeks ago, completing a four-timer and taking Ascot record to 2-2; versatile ground-wise; mark continues to rise but Ned Fox takes off a handy 5lb; leading player.
Ex-French 6yo who won well from the front at Aintree (2m, soft) in April; likely still has more to offer for his current yard and warrants respect with Haldon Gold Cup reappearance (not disgraced) under his belt.
Useful on his day but is quirky and snatched defeat from the jaws of victory by idling badly twice last year, including here; may struggle to beat some progressive rivals even if he turns up in top form.
Successful in Ireland and France; 2-2 since joining the George/Zetterholm stable, both wins in handicaps at Auteuil (2m3f/2m2f, heavy; hurdle/chase) in emphatic style; interesting contender in current form.
Respectable performances off 3lb higher in two starts at Ascot, finishing 3l third in this race last year then collaring Harper's Brook (who idled) over 2m3f; not so solid on 2024 form and now goes in headgear.
Quite a useful novice chaser last term; ended the campaign with a heavy defeat behind Martator at Sandown but got much closer to that rival over C&D on reappearance and now meets him on better terms; in the mix.
Ex-French; showed progressive form last term for new yard and beat Sans Bruit on worse terms on final start, completing a Chepstow double (2m, heavy/soft); possibilities, provided he picks up where he left off.
On a two-year losing spell and finished behind two of these rivals over C&D most recently; close second off 8lb higher in this race 12 months ago but isn't certain to repeat that form, let alone go one better.
Has reverted to hurdles this season for new yard, better effort last time; 2-4 over fences and not fully exposed but has something to prove at this level, having shown all his best form in Class 4.
1/5 Odds Place 1,2,3
( Pool guide displayed could change before the race starts & should be used as a guide only )
