Three-time Grade 1 winner, including of this race last season when wearing refitted cheekpieces; however, he's been disappointing on his three starts this year (no headgear on latest) and hopes are pinned on the return to Kempton and the first-time visor sparking a major revival.
He's come up short on the five previous occasions he's tackled a Grade 1; however, he's only seven and has been in fine form this season, winning Grade 2s under penalties at Wetherby (3m, good) and Huntingdon (2m4f, soft); given how right-handed, flat Huntingdon suits him, there can be optimism that he'll also excel here (today is his first visit) and he's an each-way player.
Four-time Grade 1 winner, including at the last two Cheltenham Festivals, namely in the Brown Advisory Novices' Chase (3m, soft) and the Ryanair Chase (2m4f, good to soft); returned from a break with a neck second to Gaelic Warrior in the John Durkan Memorial Chase (2m3f, soft to heavy) last month; there's a suspicion a shorter trip is optimal but he ran two big races in 3m Grade 1s at Leopardstown last winter and is a leading candidate today.
Won the 2024 Arkle over 2m and this 7yo was very well suited by the step up in trip when impressive in the Grade 1 Bowl at Aintree (3m1f, good to soft) in April; 2-2 since (2m6f/2m3f, good/soft to heavy), last time by a neck from Fact To File at Punchestown; there's lots to like.
He looked a superstar in the making when easily making all in the Grade 1 Kauto Star Novices' Chase over C&D (good) on this card in 2023; very up and down since and pulled up at Ascot last month following a break, but he was second to Banbridge in this last year (good) on the back of a poor run and it will be no surprise if he makes a bold bid now back at Kempton.
The drop back to 2m was against him in the Arkle (good to soft) in March but he came from a very unpromising position to win; again stayed on strongly when third in the Grade 1 Manifesto at Aintree (2m4f, good to soft) in April and powered clear for Grade 2 win at Ascot (2m5f, good) last month; he could relish this first crack at 3m and is firmly in calculations.
Won the Grade 2 Game Spirit at Newbury (2m, soft) in February and also kept on well when second in the Old Roan at Aintree (2m4f, good to soft) in October; had wind surgery since disappointing at Ascot last month and it's possible that 3m will be within range but a clear career best is needed.
Made it 2-2 over fences in the Grade 1 Kauto Star Novices' Chase over C&D (good) on this card 12 months ago; missed the rest of last season due to injury and reappeared with a convincing win in graduation chase at Haydock (2m5f, good to soft) last month; others have a lot more substance to their form but he has bundles of potential and could be a serious force today.
1/4 Odds Place 1,2,3
( Pool guide displayed could change before the race starts & should be used as a guide only )
