Useful for Nicky Henderson and ran well in last season's Pertemps Final (3m, soft); big question mark over current form having suffered three heavy defeats this term, for new yard on last two occasions.
Inconsistent last term but won at this track (2m3f, heavy) and Ayr (2m5f, soft); ran well both starts this season but needs to find extra and two of his poor performances last term were his only two attempts at this sort of trip.
Three of his wins were on soft and runner-up both starts on heavy; ended a golden spell in 2021 with 2m4f Grade 2 novice win for Tom Lacey; travelled smoothly long way when 50-1 at Newbury (upped to 3m, soft) in November for new yard, fading into fourth which leaves his stamina not proven but any lack of fitness would be understandable on first run for 1066 days; interesting.
Started this season over fences but better form when returned to hurdling on latest start; needs to build on that Aintree third and he did not prove his suitability for this sort of trip on two previous attempts; the last two of last season's three wins (all on soft) came under James Turner.
Won four of his first five handicaps and has shown better form taking minor honours on his last two starts this season, short-headed at Chepstow on latest; goes well over 3m in the mud but now looks more exposed than some of these and might just be vulnerable for the win.
Won a point and his first two hurdle races, before wind surgery; tongue tied for his three starts since and fired only on latest when never-dangerous third of five on handicap/chase debut at Uttoxeter (3m, soft) in November; his jumping did not help the cause that day and he's now back hurdling, far from fully exposed at this trip.
Heavy-ground maiden winner last February; sent handicapping for last four starts, with a front-running win at Kelso (extended 2m6f, soft) last month but he flopped when favourite over that same C&D three weeks later; needs overall improvement on this second attempt at about 3m under rules.
All her noteworthy form, most notably a 3m win on soft, was in the 2021-22 season; has raced only twice since, when soundly beaten at big odds in handicaps last April/December, and she needs a huge revival.
Ran well on first four starts last season, latterly over an extended 2m7f, and she was back to that peak form when winning in clearcut style at Sandown (2m4f, heavy) six weeks ago under claimer Chad Bament; respected even though she's up 5lb and may well need a career best.
Career has taken off this season, gifted a walkover on second start but having to battle back in a major way to win handicap debut at Uttoxeter (extended 2m7f, soft) on latest; up 3lb but more to offer as a stayer.
Best results last term were on soft (unraced on heavy); improving in this second season and pulled it out of the fire when winning under 7lb claimer at Taunton (3m, good to soft) 19 days ago; up 4lb but today's slog should suit and he's from a stable in blinding form.
Front-runner, goes well in the mud; 3-3 over hurdles at this track before he fell four out here 19 days ago; led at the time and needs to be taken seriously even though he's an 11yo and does not give his running that often overall these days.
1/5 Odds Place 1,2,3
( Pool guide displayed could change before the race starts & should be used as a guide only )
