Very capable prominent racer on his day and he had one of those in winning by 2l over C&D a month ago; 4lb rise elevates him to a career-high mark and he won't be the only one putting pace to the race.
Two good runs in defeat at 3m before coming down at the Canal Turn in the Topham Trophy; went close to winning this two years ago and that was after a two-month break; definite possibilities, as this mark isn't beyond him; Harry Cobden has won the last three renewals of this race.
His defeat of the smart Jesse Evans at Sligo in October heightens interest and new headgear is tried after two lesser efforts, particularly the latest; he has become hard to predict but it's unwise to put a line through him.
Win/placed form in his usual cheekpieces before making all for a narrow success in the newly fitted visor (with tongue-tie worn for last seven starts) at Cartmel (2m5f, good); he's getting high in the weights now (raised another 4lb) and he won't be the only one racing prominently.
Ex-Gordon Elliott; made a successful handicap chase debut for this yard at Ffos Las (2m3f, soft) in January but up and down since, with recent thirds just okay efforts (latest in this new headgear combination when behind Breizh River); may prefer softer ground ideally.
1-7 over fences; gifted a walkover before finishing second in a four-runner handicap at Uttoxeter where he failed to fire when favourite for their Summer Cup 20 days ago; he's better than that and further progress is possible with cheekpieces added.
Useful Flat and hurdles performer who has gone 0-5 over fences since a winning start in May 2025 and he'll need to run better than he did in a handicap chase at Ballinrobe last time; however, a case can be made off this mark on best form; versatile trip-wise from 2m to beyond 3m.
Clearcut winner on chase debut (2m4f, good) on final run for Rebecca Menzies and similar sort of form in defeat in two runs for the Skeltons, last time pushing earlier-race contender Newton Rambler all the way back over 2m at Uttoxeter; returning to further looks a plus and this hold-up performer should have this run to suit him.
Hurdle/chase winner who has won four times on the Flat since moving to current yard earlier this year; lacks recent match practice over jumps and that could count against him in this competitive a race.
In a solid run of form but this is a tough mark for an exposed 9yo and he's undergone a fourth wind operation since finishing fifth at Perth in early June.
Three wins at around 2m4f last season, all in small fields on good ground; after some blips he got himself back on track when second to a well-handicapped horse over C&D a month ago on first visit here; likely to run well with Shane Fenelon now taking off 5lb; one of three runners for a yard that's captured this eight times.
Consistent chaser who was better than ever in dominating a small field at Fakenham two runs back (2m5f185yds, good); didn't run badly in defeat last time and off a light weight he could have a part to play.
1/5 Odds Place 1,2,3,4
( Pool guide displayed could change before the race starts & should be used as a guide only )
