Won five of his first seven starts, including two 2m handicaps at this track on heavy ground; inconsistent since but he's back on last winning mark and latest effort in first-time cheekpieces at Newbury was encouraging (2m4f, good to soft); respected with Freddie Mitchell's claim again welcomed.
Mark took a hit for winning back-to-back handicaps at about 2m4f on soft ground last April but still ran well on his reappearance at Cheltenham (2m5f, good), finishing fifth of 16; should build on that, especially with his clear penchant for ease underfoot.
Made it 2-5 over hurdles when keeping on to score by 6l at Lingfield (2m, soft) last month; up 9lb but he's a lightly raced 8yo with clear potential to step up again; proven over this far.
Returned this season with close seconds (2m7f) and, although beaten 14l at Cheltenham last month (3m, good to soft), he held every chance at the final flight; still on a realistic mark and won't mind coming back in distance on this stiff track.
The form of his soft-ground novice win reads well (2m); that remains his only success but has been competitive in handicaps (including here) and the return of blinkers won't harm despite a pleasing run in the cheekpieces last time at Ascot (2m5f).
Had been chasing before returning to hurdles at Fakenham 23 days ago (2m4f, good to soft) and hammering Godot by more than 8l in the first-time visor; a 6lb rise could have been worse.
The form of his narrow Lingfield win (2m3f, soft) received a big boost when the second impressed at Windsor last weekend, but after a 5lb rise this 8yo was no match for Pearly Island at Fakenham; did keep plugging away and he'll likely do the same on this stiffer track.
All good since sent handicapping in cheekpieces, posting figures of 1121; never better than last time when a clearcut winner at Windsor (2m4f, good to soft; fine on soft) and a further 9lb rise could be manageable, especially with only 10st 6lb to carry.
1/5 Odds Place 1,2,3
( Pool guide displayed could change before the race starts & should be used as a guide only )
