Returned to Ascot and back up in trip with cheekpieces added, ALTOBELLI (nap) could well register a first handicap success. He has good form here and has given the firm impression he's capable of winning a race of this nature. Bo Zenith, who holds obvious claims, is feared most ahead of solid-looking Kamsinas and attractively treated Spirit d'Aunou. A few others also have possibilities.[Steve Boow]
Watch Live UK & Irish Racing
Simply place a bet of £5 or more on
any UK or Irish race to watch the action live!
Talented but mercurial and lacks recent match practice having been absent since chase success ten months ago; current mark reflects the decline of his hurdles form last season.
Eyecatching third in Cheltenham handicap (2m1f) last month on debut for Nicky Henderson and first run since going close in Grade 1 juvenile hurdle at Aintree in April 2023; has low mileage and could still have further progress in him; this new trip is worth exploring; respected.
Absent since running well in good handicap at Haydock (2m3f) eight weeks ago; steadily progressive and has a respectable record when fresh, as his reappearance success confirms; remains of interest.
Lightly raced 7yo whose Doncaster reappearance effort (2m) suggests he'll be suited by this step back up in distance (1-1 over 2m3f); has two pieces of solid form at Ascot (1m7f) and looks interesting back here, assuming he takes well to added cheekpieces.
Has shown that he retains plenty of ability since returning from lengthy absence, fourth here (2m5f) last time; however, he's the oldest contender and faces a tough assignment back up in grade.
Contrasting performances this season, recording a clearcut success in notable handicap at Chepstow (2m3f; form has worked out well) then disappointing favourite at Haydock; good chance provided he rebounds.
Respectable form in mares' handicaps this term, winning at Warwick (2m5f) then running well at Cheltenham (2m4f); remains on career-high mark and goes back against males, so this looks a stiffer assignment.
Very productive in his early days, scoring five times; inconsistent since but ran encouragingly in first-time cheekpieces at Newbury (2m4f) most recently and may build on that effort; back on last winning mark and has possibilities in the retained headgear.
Probably best to forgive his Kempton efforts (chase/hurdle) this season, slowly away and soon pulled up latest; solid spell culminated in a creditable fourth in last year's Betfair Hurdle and he's a likely player on that form; 1-1 at Ascot.
Easily completed a hat-trick at maiden/novice level but his limitations appeared to be somewhat exposed in a Taunton handicap last time and this is a further step up in grade; opposed.
Low-mileage mare who was 3-4 last season and ran well (close second over 2m3f) at Bangor on reappearance; tapped for toe over 2m last time and this step back up in distance looks a plus; not dismissed.
Absent since well held in first-time visor (retained) at Haydock eight weeks ago; seems best when fresh, as his reappearance effort confirms (ties in with Kamsinas on that form); could go well.
Soon became erratic during his spell over fences and benefited from the return to hurdles here (1m7f; ran respectably in big field) last time; however, faces stiffer competition back up two grades.
Record of 1-4 as a juvenile hurdler last term; badly lacks recent match practice, having been absent for a year, and brings weak form claims to this handicap debut; 6lb out of weights.
1/5 Odds Place 1,2,3,4
( Pool guide displayed could change before the race starts & should be used as a guide only )
