Won here (3m2f, good to soft) in March and first-time blinkers (retained) prompted a career-best performance when winning under Jack Power here (2m7f, good to soft) four weeks ago; obviously likes it here and could have a big say if seeing out the trip and handling the forecast soft ground.
Not at the top of his game this autumn on first two runs for this yard but his trainer has an excellent record in this race and he's 4lb lower than when fourth in the Scottish National in April; not discounted.
Just one win from his 17 chase starts and his jumping can be an issue; however, he's 3lb lower than when second in the Edinburgh National at Musselburgh in February and is not ruled out each-way on his reappearance.
Well-beaten third in the Durham National at Sedgefield in October, but that was his first run in three months and he may have needed it; won five in a row in March-June (good-soft), including the 3m6f Highland National at Perth, and he's not written off today.
0-6 over fences at up to an extended 3m but he's run some good races (on good/soft) and was a respectable fourth on last month's reappearance behind De Legislator at Ayr; the first-time cheekpieces and step up in trip are possible sources of improvement and his yard is in good form.
Course novice hurdle winner (2m6f, heavy) who returned from a long absence last winter and won in first-time cheekpieces (retained since) at Wetherby (3m, soft) in February on his second start back; followed up on last month's reappearance at Ayr (3m, soft) and this very lightly raced 8yo looks a good prospect for marathon trips; major player.
Point winner who scored on his chase and stable debut here (2m7f, good) in October and followed up at Chepstow (2m7f, good to soft); this new trip and the forecast soft ground are grey areas but he could still have more to offer for his top yard and is entitled to respect.
Won two marathon chases on soft ground in winter 2023-24 (3m5f/3m3f) and she returned to form with a close second of four on last month's stable and seasonal debut (3m2f, heavy); remains on a handy mark today and she's one to consider now back up in trip.
Three-time point winner who is 0-8 under rules (0-5 over fences) but he was a close second in the Devon National at Exeter (extended 3m6f, heavy) in February and also stayed on well when beaten a neck in the Southern National at Fontwell (3m3f, good to soft) last month; could be bang there once more.
4lb out of the handicap and can make mistakes, but he looked all about stamina last season when winning at Leicester (2m6f, soft) and Sedgefield (3m2f, soft); reappeared with a near-miss over hurdles at Warwick (3m1f, soft) and this unexposed 6yo is an interesting contender now up in trip.
Won at Ayr (3m, heavy) in February and ran well when fourth at Hexham (4m, good to soft) next time; could improve for last month's comeback run but he's 6lb out of the handicap this afternoon which makes things tough.
1/5 Odds Place 1,2,3
( Pool guide displayed could change before the race starts & should be used as a guide only )
