A few of these are unexposed over marathon trips and the most appealing in that group is progressive 6yo FORTUNATE MAN, who came good over fences with a 3m1f win at Aintree last month. Regatta De Blanc (second choice) and Zertakt also look very interesting, while Art Decco, Animal and Not Sure are three established sloggers with possibilities.[Chris Wilson]
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Won three in a row on slow ground (2m7f-3m4f) when cheekpieces were added last February/March and continued his progress when close/clear second on last month's reappearance at Exeter (3m6f, soft); another 5lb higher today but might still be on the upgrade; respected.
Low-mileage 6yo who came good over fences at third attempt with hard-fought success at Aintree (3m1f, soft; front pair clear) on Boxing Day; up in trip and sports first-time cheekpieces; further progress likely.
Very promising in points/hunter chases for Will Biddick last season and has made the frame on all three starts for Paul Nicholls, most recently when fourth in competitive mares' race at Hereford (3m1f, good to soft) last month; could have untapped potential over marathon trips; shortlisted.
Has very modest strike-rate under all codes (1-23) and looked badly out of sorts on both outings last month (hurdle/chase), but is completely unexposed over this sort of trip and runners from his stable always need a check in the betting.
Four-time point winner who was 2-4 in hunter chases last spring, the wins gained at Exeter (3m, soft) and Kelso (3m2f, good to soft); has more on his plate on this handicap debut, though, and returned from break with disappointing point run last month.
Made pretty good start to chasing career when second at Ffos Las (2m, good to soft) in October but two slightly disappointing runs have followed (2m/2m5f); connections are evidently very keen for him to tackle a marathon trip but others in the line-up have less to prove.
Thorough stayer who signed off with a disappointing run in April but was largely in good form last season; ran well when fresh in autumn 2023 and begins this season on a good mark; one to consider.
Three-time hurdle winner in France; 0-4 in Britain but was placed in two chases last month (2m4f/2m6f) and has possibilities if this big step up in trip suits.
Back in good form when close second here (3m, good to soft) last month and remains lightly raced over fences, but this race is more competitive and he probably needs the new trip to unlock improvement.
Made a low-key seasonal debut last month and comes here with something to prove, but is now 6lb lower than when placed in the Surrey National at Lingfield (3m5f, soft) a year ago and can't be ruled out; swaps cheekpieces for refitted blinkers.
Gave very good account when coming from off the pace for third of 11 at Cheltenham (3m1f, good) in November and will be fine over today's longer trip, but needs to rebound from a very poor run at Fakenham last month; would appeal much more on better ground.
1/5 Odds Place 1,2,3
( Pool guide displayed could change before the race starts & should be used as a guide only )
