The lightly raced TOMMY CULLEN returned from a year off with a good second at Doncaster last month and, with that form having been franked by the winner, can go one better. Koenigsstern won in fine style at Fontwell last month and is second choice ahead of Lucky Lugger and Kayce Dutton.[Ben Hutton]
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Runner-up in the autumn on first two chase starts (soft/good) before convincing win in six-runner handicap at Fontwell (2m2f, soft) four weeks ago; respected up 6lb.
Runner-up at Doncaster (2m, good to soft) in December 2023 on final run for Charlie Longsdon, and following a year off he again finished second in that same race last month (good to soft), when wearing a first-time hood (retained) on his stable debut; winner has followed up; key player.
Lightly raced point winner who landed a maiden hurdle here (2m3f, good to soft) in October 2023; however, following an absence he's been well beaten this winter on his first two chase starts; major turnaround needed.
Progressive over hurdles early last year; mixed form in that sphere this season but showed spark at Leicester two starts ago and it's possible this 6yo will be suited by the switch to fences; not ruled out.
Remains a maiden but he was runner-up twice in a row at Chepstow in November (2m, good to soft) and was running well in second when falling three out there (2m, soft) three weeks ago; every chance he'll be in the mix.
Flopped at Catterick (1m7f, soft) on New Year's Day but in top form previously, finishing second at Hereford (2m, good to soft) then winning by 9l at Catterick (1m7f, good); no surprise if he bounces back with a bold show.
Won 3m maiden hurdle in Ireland in July 2023 and has returned from an absence this season; came clear with improving winner when 6l second here (2m4f, good to soft) three weeks ago and shaped as though this shorter trip would be worth a crack (led two out); chance.
Heavy-ground handicap hurdle winner who was a fairly encouraging second of six at Ludlow (2m, good to soft) last month on his third chase start; however, he was tailed off at Leicester (2m, soft) eight days later and isn't easy to fancy on the back of that.
Won maiden hurdle at Plumpton in April 2023 and he's one to watch in the betting on this second start back from a long absence; however, he was pulled up at 25-1 on last month's chase debut at Lingfield and needs to be an entirely different proposition this afternoon.
Won at Worcester (2m, good) last June and perhaps soft ground didn't suit at Uttoxeter in July (pulled up); however, he's been absent since and is 8lb wrong at the weights for this return to action.
1/5 Odds Place 1,2,3
( Pool guide displayed could change before the race starts & should be used as a guide only )
