Irish challenger STAFFORDSHIRE KNOT (nap) stayed on for a promising fifth of 20 in a Pertemps Qualifier over slightly shorter at Leopardstown last month and he could have more to offer as a stayer. Super Survivor is the only other one who arrives on the back of a good run and he's respected but perhaps the main threat will come from Champagne Twist, who looked promising until a disappointing run at Ascot last month. 2023 winner Itchy Feet is an interesting contender on his second start of the season, while first-time cheekpieces and a return to hurdling may galvanise Shanagh Bob.[Ben Hutton]
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Runner-up in Grade 1 novice hurdle at Aintree (2m4f, good to soft) last April and returned to form when back over hurdles and fifth of 20 in Pertemps Qualifier at Leopardstown (2m7f, yielding) last month; today's extra yardage could be a plus and top Irish trainer is 2-5 here; player.
Unraced beyond an extended 2m4f and losing run goes back eight races to December 2022; well beaten on reappearance but may have needed the run and he's on a competitive mark on his best form; one of two for his top yard.
11yo who is inconsistent nowadays and was tailed off at Cheltenham on New Year's Day, but was returning from an absence; won this two years ago (good to soft) and was also on the scoresheet at Market Rasen that November; has the same mark as for those two wins and is not discounted.
Kept on well to win the competitive EBF Novices' Handicap Hurdle Final at Sandown (2m4f, soft) last March and he was bang there when falling three out at Cheltenham (2m5f, good) on his reappearance; disappointing at Ascot since but can be a major player if tapping back into his previous promise; won a 3m point in 2023 and dam won at up to 3m under rules.
Made it 3-3 for the yard when winning Grade 2 mares' novice hurdle at Sandown (2m4f, soft) last February; she could appreciate today's return to hurdling after below-par efforts over fences the last twice but it's hard to be confident after last time (bled from nose when pulled up).
Looked very promising when winning a Grade 2 novice hurdle at Cheltenham (3m, soft) in December 2023; hasn't kicked on from that and he's been soundly beaten in fifth this season on his first two chase starts, but perhaps the return to hurdles and first-time cheekpieces will prompt a revival.
Won three in a row last spring (3m, good to soft/good) and he's of interest on that form; returned with encouraging third at Cheltenham (3m, good) in October but he's struggled the last twice and has to get back on track.
Competing over hurdles this season and won a six-runner handicap at Doncaster (3m, good to soft) last month on his second start back; he's 3lb higher in a tougher race today but remains well treated on his best chase form and, unlike the majority of these, arrives in good form; respected.
Unexposed 8yo who won in good style at Wetherby (3m, good to soft) in October and has a major chance on that form; however, failed to take to fences next time and pulled up when back over hurdles only last Thursday.
Progressive over hurdles in spring 2023 when she last raced in this sphere and she won two 2m4f chases last spring; unproven at this trip and below par over fences last time, but she's on a handy mark on her best chase form (even from 2lb out of the handicap) and is not ruled out.
1/5 Odds Place 1,2,3
( Pool guide displayed could change before the race starts & should be used as a guide only )
