The winner of two Grade 2s (2m3f/2m5f; good ground) over hurdles; still early days but he hasn't looked a natural chaser and was entitled to win a Grade 2 at Wincanton (2m4f, good) a lot more easily than he did, the form of which has taken some knocks; however, his hurdling ability is respected and it could be that he now needs 3m.
Won a maiden and a novice over hurdles and later third in a Grade 1 at Aintree (3m, good; his only run in today's reapplied tongue-tie); he's already looking every bit as good over fences despite two defeats, but he has near enough 10l to find with Wendigo on their clash in a 2m4f Grade 2 at Newbury four weeks ago; this longer trip could trigger improvement, but the same can be said for the winner.
Grade-3 winning hurdler who signed off last season with a close third (staying on) behind Blueking d'Oroux and Salver in a 2m5f Grade 2 at Sandown (good); did everything right in justifying odds-on favouritism on chase debut in a good race at Punchestown (2m3f; soft to heavy) and this longer trip is worth exploring again, for all that he faded in a 3m Grade 1 hurdle at Aintree last season.
Smart hurdler, although he received 3lb from Blueking d'Oroux when narrowly held by the latter in a 2m5f Grade 2 at Sandown last April (good; prefers softer); third in his first chase to the exciting Lulamba but that was over 2m1f and he easily saw off his three rivals when upped to 3m at Sandown (Grade 2; good to soft); his jumping there was a bit sketchy early doors but improved as the race progressed; ability and potential are much respected.
Lightly raced for an 8yo; by no means the best of these over hurdles (albeit useful) but he's now 4-4 on right-handed tracks after beating two notable rivals on his return to fences at Ascot one month ago (2m5f, good; stays 3m); that was workmanlike but he was well on top at the finish and shouldn't be passed over lightly.
Talented novice hurdler who finished runner-up to The New Lion in the Grade 1 Challow last Christmas (2m4f, good to soft) and ran well in the face of some adversity in the 3m Albert Bartlett; beaten by a subsequent Listed winner on chase debut but went one better in a Grade 2 at Newbury (again 2m4f) where never stronger than at the finish; this speed-orientated track might not play to his strengths but he'll be boxing on; respected.
1/4 Odds Place 1,2
( Pool guide displayed could change before the race starts & should be used as a guide only )
