Topweight Matata has been in excellent form this season but the presence of Editeur Du Gite and Sans Bruit (who combined to set an overly strong pace at Kempton last month) could make things difficult for this front-runner. A chance is taken on ARCTIC BRESIL, for whom a return to form is needed, but he's travelled from Ireland and could be on a good mark judged on his performance in the 2m4f Plate at the Cheltenham Festival last March, when he failed to last home up the hill. The competitive gallop is a plus for Crebilly on his drop back in trip and he is second choice.[Ben Hutton]
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Second-season chaser who kicked off this campaign with two fine runs at Cheltenham (2m, good) before a near-miss at Kelso (2m1f, soft); climbing the weights but this front-runner should be a tough nut to crack once more.
Won five handicaps in a row last year (2m1f-2m4f, good/heavy) before fair third off this lofty mark at Kempton (2m, good to soft) last month; this isn't as hot as the Kempton race but his form dipped sharply (not beaten entirely by the 2m5f trip) at Ascot yesterday.
11yo who has been well beaten/pulled up on his six starts since winning off 14lb higher at Kempton in December 2023; however, he showed spark until making a bad mistake at Cheltenham in November, and it's likely he went off too hard at Kempton last time; not a forlorn hope off reduced mark.
10yo who won the Grand Annual Handicap (2m, soft) last March and good second in graduation chase at Carlisle (2m, good) in November; ran as well as could be expected in Grade 2 at Cheltenham (2m, good) two days later and holds far more realistic claims now back in a handicap; possible player.
Fine second in the Plate at last season's Cheltenham Festival (2m4f, soft); this drop back in trip isn't an obvious plus and he was tailed off over hurdles on his reappearance, but he may have needed that run and the expected competitive gallop will play to his strengths; can go well if back on song.
Not straightforward and tends to idle in front but travelled well and was given an excellent ride by Kielan Woods to win by a neck at Wetherby (1m7f, good to soft) last month; versatile ground-wise; in a deeper race today but beat two in-form rivals last time and he's gone up just 3lb; chance.
Made all in the Red Rum Handicap at Aintree (2m, soft) last April and posted respectable thirds on his first two starts this season (2m1f, good); pulled up at Kempton last time but set off too fast; could bounce back with a bold show although faces competition up front once more.
Won three in a row last winter (1m7f/2m, soft) and he's of interest on that form; however, he hasn't been at his best on his three outings this season and needs to turn things around.
Arrives with something to prove having been well beaten/pulled up on his last three runs (2m4f/2m3f); however, he looked a serious player entering the straight in the 2m4f Plate at the Cheltenham Festival last March, only to fail to get home, and he's 6lb lower today; represents top Irish trainer/jockey combination and this drop back in trip could be ideal; interesting.
1/5 Odds Place 1,2,3
( Pool guide displayed could change before the race starts & should be used as a guide only )
