Won two good-ground points and a heavy-ground Exeter bumper last spring for Leslie Jefford; improved form through his three starts over hurdles, running-on third under 7lb claimer on second occasion and justifying 11-10 favouritism by a neck in 13-runner race at Wincanton (2m4f, good to soft) on latest; makes handicap debut and this move up in trip should help.
Eighth attempt over hurdles saw his first win and he finished 16l to the good, produced to lead two out when 5-4 favourite for 11-runner handicap at Exeter (near 2m6f, soft) two weeks ago; ridden this season by Callum Pritchard; up 11lb and back up in trip (seemed to stay 3m on penultimate start) but he needs plenty of respect for a yard which continues in excellent form.
Runner-up twice at Southwell when these cheekpieces were first enlisted, bumping into a highly progressive winner over 3m on second occasion; dropping back to an extended 1m7f seemed to find him out at Ascot on latest outing, so he's back up in trip today in need of a career best; acts on soft, more to prove after two runs on heavy.
Started last season with two narrow, heavy-ground wins and returned to his best when second at Southwell (upped to 3m1f, good) in May; had wind surgery two days later and has left Warren Greatrex; cheekpieces (worn on last two starts) are removed; back from chasing and needs a second look.
Inconsistent overall but she failed by just a neck last month to repeat last season's win in a 3m handicap at Doncaster; career-best form last term was over 3m on heavy (in a chase) and she's well capable of getting seriously involved if this is another of her good days.
Not often seen on worse than good to soft, but he was below form last winter on soft and heavy when having his first runs after 398 days off; absent almost as long this time, so some caution is advised even though he may have some untapped potential at this trip on better ground.
Demonstrated that stamina is his strength when he made a winning handicap debut at Southwell (upped to 3m1f, good to soft) one month ago; up 3lb and not proven on soft or heavy but he may well have more to offer in a slog.
Two wins last term in his first campaign over hurdles and, back from chasing, he nearly scored at Ffos Las (2m4f, heavy) four weeks ago when having a second go in these cheekpieces; looked tired in front in the latter before renewing his effort when challenged; fences presumably excuse his effort over an extended 2m7f the time before, so he may have more to offer.
Runner-up in one of her points, in a heavy-ground bumper here and on both starts over hurdles; hooded but those hurdle races were over about 2m5f (good to soft) and she plugged on, so this trip for handicap debut is plausible and her latest form (Plumpton) has been boosted.
1/5 Odds Place 1,2,3
( Pool guide displayed could change before the race starts & should be used as a guide only )
