Grade 1 novice hurdle winner who quickly developed into a smart novice chaser in 2023-24 season; pulled up on four of last five appearances, most recently in Grand National in April, and was given another wind op (his third) during the summer; leap of faith required to support him here.
Progressive over fences in early 2024, winning twice on heavy ground at Newbury (2m7f); not easy to weigh up after 615-day absence but on a good mark and the forecast faster ground won't be a problem; had summer wind op; might be worth chancing.
Thorough stayer who gained last season's win in Somerset National at Wincanton (3m2f, good to soft); absent since April and will need to return in peak form to have any chance off current mark.
Now back on same mark as for commendable second in Welsh Grand National here (3m6f, soft) last December; not yet fully exposed over fences but was well beaten on both subsequent outings and may find 2m7f on good to soft too sharp (trainer reported last time that he wants further than 3m1f).
Made winning seasonal debut at Uttoxeter (3m2f, heavy) three weeks ago and is now 5-5 over fences; upped in grade here and not sure to be as effective on the less testing ground but we still don't know the limit of his ability.
2-2 when fitted with cheekpieces for final two starts last season, the latter success in valuable novices' handicap at Uttoxeter (3m, good to soft); well beaten on reappearance at Cheltenham in October (no headgear) but could plausibly resume his progress now that the cheekpieces are back on.
Dual C&D winner in December 2021 but lightly raced and generally very disappointing since; respectable fourth on seasonal debut at Ffos Las (3m1f, soft; first-time cheekpieces) in October but moves back up in grade here and younger rivals appeal more.
Returned to form with narrow win in Surrey National at Lingfield (3m5f, heavy) in January but soundly beaten all three starts since, the latest over hurdles in refitted cheekpieces; reverts to chasing in first-time blinkers and competes from 3lb out of the weights.
2-12 over fences; kept on well for second at Ludlow (3m, good to soft) in April but effectively 6lb higher from out of the weights in stronger race here, and this 11yo needs a career-best performance on his seasonal debut.
1/5 Odds Place 1,2,3
( Pool guide displayed could change before the race starts & should be used as a guide only )
