12yo who has won three Grade 2s and returned from a long absence with a promising fifth behind Bear Market over C&D (soft) three weeks ago; 2lb lower today and he could show the benefit of that latest outing; chance.
Six wins from his 17 rules starts and he ran well when third of 17 off this mark on his stable debut at Cheltenham in October; however, two lesser performances have followed and he needs to get back on track.
Won on handicap debut at Ffos Las (2m, good to soft) in April and he kept on for second on last month's reappearance at Newbury (2m, soft), shaping as though this step up in trip could prompt further improvement.
He's worked his way back into form this season and won at Newcastle (2m4f, good to soft) four weeks ago; won on soft ground earlier in career; remains feasibly treated back up 4lb and could have a part to play.
He hasn't kicked on since winning a Grade 2 novice hurdle at Haydock (1m7f, soft) in January but didn't run badly when seventh of 18 in the Greatwood Handicap at Cheltenham (2m, soft) last month and the step back up in trip may be a positive; stable form has taken an upturn; not discounted.
Beaten on his last nine starts (finished fifth in this last year) with seven of those defeats coming at 7-1 or shorter; however, he's twice gone close this season (2m4f, good/soft) and again ran well at Haydock (2m3f, good to soft) last time; might not be far away.
Unexposed 5yo who ran well for a long way over C&D (soft) three weeks ago but didn't see out the trip, beaten 11l in fourth behind Bear Market; he could again prove vulnerable in the closing stages today.
Made it 2-2 for new yard, and 3-3 at Aintree, when making all over C&D (soft) three weeks ago, coming clear with an in-form runner-up; a 4lb rise isn't harsh and this unexposed 6yo could continue to progress; key player.
1/5 Odds Place 1,2,3
( Pool guide displayed could change before the race starts & should be used as a guide only )
