Provided he returns from a 12-month layoff in great order, useful HANSARD could well show further progress and defy top weight. The selection's form last December reads well and this looks a suitable spot for his reappearance. Aucunrisque, who holds solid-looking claims, is second choice ahead of Valgrand who was very consistent prior to last time. The Henderson runners Willmount and Jet Powered add interest.[Steve Boow]
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Absent since showing useful form in notable handicaps last December, winning the Gerry Feilden at Newbury (2m, good to soft) then fifth at Ascot where he ran creditably despite the drawback of a steady pace; could still have further progress in him; interesting on reappearance.
Disappointing at Cheltenham (handicap debut) last time but otherwise has a very consistent record and could well rebound; showed he's useful with an impressive Grade 2 novice win there (2m, good) in October, three starts ago, and remains of interest.
Has resurrected his former consistency this season and regained the winning thread at Ascot (1m7f, good) most recently; the only C&D scorer in this field and still looks favourably treated, as he defied a 5lb higher mark in the 2023 Betfair Hurdle.
Like Aucunrisque, he's a past Betfair Hurdle winner (2022); missed last season and has looked nothing like the force of old in two outings this term; however, could prove resurgent off this reduced mark and with Cameron Iles taking off 7lb.
Going well when taking a fall three out at Cheltenham (2m1f) two weeks ago on first start since folding tamely and pulled up in last season's Challow (unbeaten previously); impressive in his only completed start over hurdles and may yet confirm that promise; not written off.
Well held in the Gerry Feilden at Newbury last time and still needs to prove she can cope with this sort of mark; however, won at Sandown (2m, good to soft) earlier in November and is normally a consistent sort, so could bounce back and perform well.
Stablemate of Willmount; bought for 350,000gns after Irish point win and looked very good on rules debut over two years ago; disappointing in both runs since and now returns from another lengthy absence but connections are persevering and market confidence should be heeded.
Went close off a slightly higher mark in this race two years ago but was race-fit at the time and now badly lacks recent match practice, having been absent since a below-par effort in April 2023; the betting looks likely to offer further guidance.
1/5 Odds Place 1,2,3
( Pool guide displayed could change before the race starts & should be used as a guide only )
