The Moore-trained rules newcomer Old Cowboy needs a second look but otherwise it looks to be between only three of these and it's not easy to choose between them. Jurancon is the form pick but, with a tongue-tie enlisted, he needs to bounce back from a long odds-on defeat last time. Big Ginge looks sure to figure prominently but, despite having to give weight all round, slight preference is for the Auteuil winner KLOTH OF UTOPIA on his drop in trip from the extended 2m5f at Ascot.[Richard Austen]
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French-trained 5yo; front-runner on last two starts, impressive at Auteuil (2m2f, heavy) in October on first occasion; better form at Ascot (2m5f, good; 8-11) one month later despite being left well behind by the first two from the second last; this drop in trip is an interesting move and he has the form to be a major player, in this race for which few can be fancied.
Won a point and two bumpers in the mud last season and a Chepstow novice (2m, good to soft) in his second run over hurdles this term; getting turned over at 2-5 at Exeter (2m, soft) last month, however, was not his best form and he now has his tongue tied; leading form claims on his best.
20,000euros 3yo; fourth foal; half-brother to fair 2m/2m3f hurdle winner Kavanaghs Cross; dam unraced sister to point/bumper/2m7f hurdle winner Senor Lombardy, out of half-sister to Irish Grand National winner Glebe Lad; won easily in October in his third Irish point and sold for 30,000euros; to win this, however, is probably asking a bit much; yard runs three.
Second in 2m4f maiden point in February 2023; weak 8-1 shot when next seen in novice hurdle at Taunton (2m3f, good to soft) 16 days ago and faded to be beaten 23l; that run may well have been needed but he clearly needs much better.
Owner ridden; showed significant ability in his three bumpers; runner-up in this season's hurdle races over 2m on good to soft at Sandown (short-headed) and Hereford (8-13) which puts him firmly in the picture here as well.
Irish maiden point winner and runner-up in a Ludlow bumper; however, soundly beaten at Newbury (led early) and Plumpton (always behind) in his first two attempts over hurdles, before falling early on at 150-1 when back at this course four weeks ago; his yard runs three in this.
Made the frame in three Irish maiden points; 100-1 and 50-1 for two C&D maiden hurdles (soft) late last year and faded to be soundly beaten, so he needs to leave that way behind him; his yard runs three.
Staying-on third in a Downpatrick bumper in September; 66-1 when he ended up beaten 22l in novice hurdle at Plumpton (2m, good to soft) one month ago; hooded for both those starts and looks a longer-term prospect.
Third of eight at Hereford (2m, good to soft) in his second bumper, three weeks before tailing off at 40-1 in a maiden hurdle at Lingfield (2m3f, soft); best watched for now.
92,000euros 3yo; first foal; dam bumper/2m-2m5f hurdle winner, closely related to winners Princely Player (useful 2m2f-2m7f hurdle/chase), Kings Temptation (useful 2m7f-3m2f chase) and Temptationinmilan (2m4f/3m chase); fourth and second in two maiden points last spring, before sold for £66,000; given a good mention in Stable Tour but market can guide on rules debut.
£20,000 purchase after placed in two of his three Irish points; 20-1, 25l fifth of eight from rear in novice hurdle at Ludlow (2m, good to soft) four weeks ago, which showed ability but he needs major improvement.
Third in a Down Royal bumper (soft) in November 2023 was very much the standout performance from his one hurdle race and three bumpers in Ireland for Gordon Elliott; probably best watched on debut for new connections.
Raced in Ireland until last three starts; has failed to break the ice in 11 bumpers, four Flat races and now pulled up in two maiden hurdles; mostly modest form.
1/5 Odds Place 1,2,3
( Pool guide displayed could change before the race starts & should be used as a guide only )
