Second-season hurdler whose reappearance win at Chepstow (2m, good; defied top weight) is very strong handicap form; ran well in Grade 2 event at Ascot (2m3f, good to soft) since, beating all bar talented mare Wodhooh; progressive contender who may well rate higher still and adds interest to this festive staple.
Completed a five-timer (Flat/hurdles) with his success in 4yo hurdle at Cheltenham (2m, good) in October; unable to sustain the sequence in notable handicap at Newbury since, coming up well short off a mark of 143; faces a harder assignment on these terms.
Very useful front-runner who is 2-2 since returned to hurdles from fences, winning races at Kempton (Listed) and Wincanton (Elite Hurdle) that he also took in 2023 and 2024; however, no match for Constitution Hill in this contest two years ago and faces another Henderson star in this edition.
Exciting and unbeaten youngster who was impressive in the Fighting Fifth over hurdles at Newcastle (2m, good) and the Wayward Lad over fences at the Kempton Christmas festival (2m, good to soft) last term, appearing to have the world at his feet; subsequently picked up a serious injury but is thankfully back in action and reverts to this sphere with the Champion Hurdle the aim; should be difficult to beat, provided he picks up where he left off.
Reverts to hurdles after two unsuccessful attempts over fences; sole appearance at Kempton resulted in Grade 2 Dovecote novice win in February but this is a much stiffer task; his chance of making an impact therefore partly depends on how well he responds to first-time headgear.
Gained her Grade 1 wins in fortuitous fashion, having benefited from the falls of major rivals in the Champion Hurdle last season and Fighting Fifth on latest start, both on good to soft ground; however, she's still one of the main players, with her sex allowance again coming in handy.
1/4 Odds Place 1,2
( Pool guide displayed could change before the race starts & should be used as a guide only )
