Very good progress last season, winning over C&D in December (this race) and April; good runs for minor honours on all three starts this term, in a strong race here (soft) on latest; looks set for another prominent finish.
315 days off before out form last season, trying cheekpieces on final outing; these conditions used to suit and he's thrown in judged on best chase efforts (2022 and 2023) but some caution has to be advised; left Sam Thomas for 6,000 in May and now hooded for first time since 2021.
Last season's three starts were all over fences and jumping was an issue on each occasion; runner-up off this mark in the C&D Pertemps Final (soft) over hurdles in March 2024 and his fourth at Aintree five weeks ago was a satisfactory return to this sphere, so he's back in each-way calculations.
Ran well in April 2024 on sole start at this track; ran only twice last season but battled on gamely to win at Windsor (3m, soft; 5lb higher today) in January on second occasion; surely again needed reappearance this time round (three weeks ago) but he now needs to resume improvement.
Ridden last seven starts by William Maggs; rarely seen on soft but runner-up twice on it early in 2024; six-time winner, most recently in May; good third at about 3m on his last three outings and, although a bit extra is needed, first trip to this stiff track could help.
Won a novice at Kelso (2m5f, good) in May for James Ewart and followed up on his handicap/stable debut there (extended 2m6f, good) in October; second of 18 here (2m5f, soft) four weeks ago was better still, rallying well, and there's plenty of hope for 3m; up 5lb but of major interest.
Won an Irish maiden in the mud in 2024; scored at Chepstow (3m, good) this October on second run for new yard and, after a disappointment next time, he returned from wind surgery with a good second at Market Rasen (near 3m, good to soft) 16 days ago; considered in competitive race.
Pulled up on sole start here; won at Lingfield (2m7f, good) in November first time out last season and somewhat unlucky to go down by a nose under Benjamin Macey in same race (good to soft; lost place on the turn) this time round; back up 3lb and this warm contest probably needs a new career high.
Some jumping problems over fences before he won a seven-runner handicap hurdle at Uttoxeter (extended 2m7f, soft) under Freddie Keighley 15 days ago, clear three out and keeping on well once challenged; up 5lb but this second-season jumper could have more to give.
Well beaten sole start on soft; 4-16 over hurdles, the latest win at Kempton (3m, good) 18 days ago on second start for this stable coming at 80-1 under Freddie Mitchell; back up 5lb but his old peak efforts were better still, so there could be scope for him to move further back up the ladder.
1/4 Odds Place 1,2,3
( Pool guide displayed could change before the race starts & should be used as a guide only )
