Delivered on promise shown last spring when clearcut winner of Warwick maiden hurdle (2m5f, good to soft) last month; not obviously well treated for this handicap debut but should have further improvement to come; must be considered.
Four-time Flat winner; 0-7 over hurdles and more exposed than some of these, but bumped into very progressive rival when second in Newcastle novice (2m6f, good) in November; current handicap mark ought to be workable.
Maiden hurdle winner during the summer; his tendency to race too freely is a concern but new jockey Gavin Sheehan settled him fairly well (albeit a long way off the pace) at Lingfield (2m3f, soft) last month, where he made smooth headway to challenge in the straight but just lost out to a determined rival (front pair clear); went up 4lb for that but still considered.
Kept on well to win Newbury novice (2m, good) by 4l in November and took another step forward when second in Sandown Listed contest (2m, soft) last month, albeit that was a substandard race for the grade; back up in trip for this handicap debut and enters calculations.
Won Plumpton maiden (2m, good) last spring and returned from a break with very respectable second at Ascot (1m7f, good) in November; not discredited when well-held third behind two useful rivals over C&D (good to soft) last month; no surprise if he features on handicap debut.
Ridden very patiently in C&D handicap (good to soft) last month and made good headway from poor position to chase home an improving rival; has to take a 4lb rise on the chin but remains unexposed after only four hurdling starts and can improve if he enjoys a more favourable tactical scenario today.
Drew clear to win Fontwell maiden (2m3f, soft) on seasonal debut in October, but was soundly beaten on handicap debut at Taunton (2m3f, good to soft) the following month and comes here with a point to prove.
Smart on the Flat in France in his prime and has made the frame in three handicap hurdles for Paul Nicholls this season, most recently when second of 18 at Ascot (1m7f, good to soft) last month; only 1lb higher here and will be suited by the move back up in trip; probably won't be far away.
Won small-field Chepstow bumper (heavy) last season and has made the frame on both hurdling starts (2m4f/2m3f); needs to improve to make winning handicap debut but has the potential.
Cantered clear to win low-grade Fontwell handicap (2m1f, good) by 12l in November; found one to good when penalised at Southwell (2m4f) a few days later, though, and was nearly 16l behind Guard Duty when fourth at Lingfield (2m3f, soft) last month; needs to kick on again.
1/5 Odds Place 1,2,3
( Pool guide displayed could change before the race starts & should be used as a guide only )
