Has improved for patient tactics, winning at Haydock (1m7f, good) before going close in the always-strong Morebattle Hurdle at Kelso (good to soft); raised 3lb for that but this former smart Flat performer should be seen to good effect around here.
Initially disappointing over hurdles given how smart he was on the Flat, with his keen-going tendencies holding him back; however, a switch to front-running has yielded wins in a maiden here and the Imperial Cup at Sandown (10lb lower); both those came on soft ground but this faster surface won't bother him at all; they've found the key to him by the looks.
Had strong handicap form even before finishing second to Alexei in the Greatwood and fifth in an Ascot handicap that could barely have worked out any better, with the four ahead of him all delivering high-profile efforts in the meantime (well in with fourth-placed Mondo Man); failed favourite backers in a lower grade at Newbury but this strong traveller might have won had he not been left in front two out (then idled); every chance should this pan out more favourably; all ground seems fine.
Flat and jumps winner for Joseph O'Brien; it's not been an easy start for current yard, finishing last in the Grade 2 Kingwell (50-1) and then well down the field when 100-1 for the Martin Pipe at Cheltenham; has something to prove all of a sudden.
Won twice early-season and better again when second in classy small-field races at Cheltenham and Wincanton, the latest a Grade 2; returned from a break with a win on the AW so his run in the Morebattle at Kelso goes down as disappointing; the return of a hood is no bad thing; enjoys good ground.
Did well in juvenile/novice hurdles and he reappeared in September with a handicap win in a five-runner race at Newton Abbot (2m1f, good to soft; comfortably off 4lb lower); Newbury in November was disappointing but he did go off favourite and has had a break since; remains of interest.
Very progressive in completing a good-ground hat-trick last year and when third to Tutti Quanti in a Class 1 handicap at Newbury in November (soft); still on a competitive mark despite all that and for whatever reason he didn't show his true form at Kempton on final sighting at Christmas; if forgiven that, and he's had a break, then he enters the picture.
Has won at this trip but last four runs have been over further and he hasn't kicked on from his Musselburgh win in January (2m4f, good to soft; 3lb lower); probably has little margin for error mark-wise and unlikely the same is true about some of his rivals.
Made all for wins here (2m novice, soft) and at Newbury (handicap, good to soft; 2lb lower) but he couldn't dominate when ultimately tailed off behind Mondo Man in the Imperial Cup (25-1); there are similar reservations as to how this will pan out, but Chris Gordon (doubly represented) has a very good record in this race with three wins since 2016.
Won on the Flat and over hurdles for Henry de Bromhead; his first run over jumps since 2023 when an encouraging fourth at Newbury, but hard to envisage him reversing those placings with Helnwein.
1-14 over hurdles but placed a few times, including on his forays to Britain; he'll enjoy this ground more than what he faced in Ireland last time but it's a struggle to call him well handicapped.
Flat/hurdle winner; back from a break to finish fourth behind Hamlet's Night on the AW and then ran third of six in a Fakenham handicap hurdle; this race is much tougher than that one.
It was against her own sex when breezing clear from off the pace at Warwick (2m, good) but, still lightly raced, she could be worthy of her 11lb rise in the weights; up in class but this race could be run to suit her style and she's of some interest.
All three hurdle wins have been on good ground so drying conditions are a positive, and she has had to deal with soft surfaces the last twice; however, this is by some way the strongest hurdle race she's contested to date.
1/5 Odds Place 1,2,3,4
( Pool guide displayed could change before the race starts & should be used as a guide only )
