King's Castle and Enthused (second choice) are closely matched on last month's Perth form, while Aucunrisque will be very dangerous off his current mark if back on song after his break and Carrigeen Kampala could still have more to offer. However, JUNKANOO, a C&D novice winner last season, gets the vote in this hope his recent Flat run has brought him on.[Chris Wilson]
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Won major handicap at Newbury (2m, good) in February 2023 but was largely disappointing last season and needs to have been refreshed by his summer break; cheekpieces removed after one use.
Took form to new level when winning consecutive races during the winter, and was very respectable sixth at Aintree festival (2m, soft) in the spring; didn't fire in Summer Hurdle at Market Rasen in July, though, and current mark demands a career-best run.
Tends to race too freely but is 5-9 over hurdles, the latest win gained in pretty good style at Newton Abbot (2m2f, good) in June; fell on next two outings, latterly at first fence on chasing debut three weeks ago, but has claims here if her confidence has not been dented; tongue-tie added.
Six-time hurdle winner; just behind King's Castle when fifth at Perth (2m, good) last month but that was still a good effort, and he recently went close on the Flat; would probably prefer the rain to stay away but, otherwise, he's likely to be right in the thick of things.
Last of nine on the Flat last week, after a break, but won C&D novice hurdle (good to soft) in January and his handicap run at Kempton (2m, good) in April was arguably better than eventual 22l defeat suggests; on a good mark; dangerous to ignore.
Won comfortably by 9l at Stratford (2m, good) in June, after a layoff, and probably posted another career-best effort when rallying second to Enthused at Uttoxeter (2m, good) in July; on tough mark now, though, and Worcester last month was a bit disappointing.
Very progressive this season, winning four in a row on good ground before going close at Perth (2m, good) last month; can cope if there's rain here and may yet have a bigger performance in him; respected.
Three-time hurdle winner for Stuart Edmunds; started off for James Owen with two respectable Flat runs this summer and went down fighting when back over hurdles at Newton Abbot (2m1f, good; first-time hood) on Friday; will be 7lb out of the weights if she makes a quick reappearance here, though.
1/5 Odds Place 1,2,3
( Pool guide displayed could change before the race starts & should be used as a guide only )
