A fair few of these need to prove their stamina but that certainly isn't the case with the 12yo DANS LE VENT, who was a close third at Chepstow last time and earns the vote. Titan Discovery was progressive at up to 2m5f last season and is feared most, having hinted he could be suited by a staying trip. Gwennie May Boy is next on the list on the back of his promising third at Carlisle. Jipcot bolted up at Newbury and can play another leading role if staying this new trip, while Minella Missile and Git Maker could be on good marks if at the top of their respective games after some time off.[Ben Hutton]
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Inconsistent but went very close at Newbury (3m, good to soft) on his final start last season and won on his reappearance there (3m, soft) in November; goes back up in trip after his soundly beaten fourth of nine at Kempton (2m5f, good) last month and could be involved.
Completed hat-trick with commanding win in big field at Aintree's Grand National meeting (3m, good to soft) last April; early faller at Haydock on reappearance before creditable third at Carlisle (3m1f, soft) last month; this unexposed 7yo could build on that latest run and is one to consider.
3m point winner (good) who made it 2-2 under rules (2m3f/2m5f, good to soft) when keeping on well in a Grade 2 novice hurdle at Cheltenham in November 2023; absent since but if this 7yo retains all of his promise he has potential off his opening mark, especially now up in trip.
Unraced over hurdles in Britain but showed promise in this discipline when trained in France; has had jumping issues over fences on his last three starts and perhaps this return to hurdles will prompt a revival; well treated on last spring's 2m4f chase form and has shown staying potential.
Pulled up when upped to 3m at Haydock in November but conditions were extremely demanding; 2-3 in novice hurdles in autumn 2023 (2m4f/2m5f, good to soft/soft) and returned from absence with encouraging fifth at Cheltenham (2m4f, good) in October; not written off in first-time cheekpieces.
Third in the Imperial Cup (2m, soft) last March and, after a wind op, he showed improved form to win at Newbury (2m4f, good to soft) three weeks ago; readily accounted for some progressive rivals last time and an 8lb rise may not stop him, provided he stays; he was very strong at the finish at Newbury.
Three-time winner, the latest in France last July; changed stables subsequently and he's been a fair fifth at Cheltenham (3m, good/soft) the last twice, but needs something extra today.
Absent since finishing third in the Scottish Grand National last April; however, he has a good reappearance record and reverts to hurdles on a mark 6lb lower than at Ayr; 3-4 in this discipline in early 2022; respected.
Two handicap wins last season (2m3f/2m4f, good to soft/good) and running well in defeat this term (2m3f-2m5f, good/good to soft); each-way contender if he stays but that's the big question (not bred for stamina); has won on soft but best form is on good/good to soft.
12yo who isn't as good as he was but he's handicapped accordingly and stayed on for a promising sixth at Haydock (2m3f, soft) in November on his second start back from a long absence; suited by the step back up to 2m7f when 1l third at Chepstow (soft) last month and could be bang there once more.
Lightly raced 7yo who was progressive in handicaps last season, winning twice (1m7f/2m4f, good to soft/soft), and he shaped as though he needed the run on October's reappearance in a hot handicap at Chepstow; has hinted that 3m will be within range and he could still have more to offer.
Returned from absence to win four-runner handicap at Lingfield (2m7f, good) in November; fair third of seven at Fontwell (3m2f, soft) since but goes back up in grade today and this could be too competitive.
1/4 Odds Place 1,2,3
( Pool guide displayed could change before the race starts & should be used as a guide only )
