Nephew of Celestial Gold and Fiveforthree; progression across last winter's qualifying runs culminated in a soft-ground Wincanton 9l fourth (1m7f), on which evidence his mark is about right; proven over further in Irish points, and chance if ready to roll on first outing since March.
Unable to break out of rear on two starts since arrival from France, a 2m novice hurdle and a 2m5f handicap chase; down 5lb but current ability level not so clear as to be certain he'll capitalise.
Ffos Las seventh on his final qualifying run (2m4f, soft) represented a fair improvement, albeit he was still beaten 35l; prospects over this sort of trip on pedigree, but others hold more pressing claims.
Beaten 22l at Hereford on last month's seasonal/handicap debut, but could be seen doing fair late work and should be straighter for that; replication of level of previous slow-ground outing won't suffice.
Recent 16-day hat-trick of wins all compiled over today's sort of trip and by an aggregate of 32l, with effectiveness on genuinely soft reaffirmed in the middle leg at Leicester; 4lb well in even carrying a penalty, and case strong again so long as this isn't one quick race too many.
Disregard last month's Chepstow return and he's been consistent across his short hurdling career; won an Irish point on his sole previous start on softer than good to soft, and harbours place claims here.
Yet to rediscover the form level of her spring 2024 maiden outings despite some realistic handicap marks; inauspicious sole previous attempt at today's sort of trip, so latest 2lb drop isn't tempting.
Added a 2m4f contest here in May to three previous course wins over shorter (including on heavy); two weakening efforts since, but back to that last winning mark consequently and he's had his wind worked on also; respected.
No prizes for consistency, but rules record of 2-33 improves to 2-7 counting only runs on soft or heavy; struggling to last out 2m under assertive tactics when last seen in March.
1/5 Odds Place 1,2,3
( Pool guide displayed could change before the race starts & should be used as a guide only )
