The form Maxiboy Dagrostis showed when 66-1 third at Doncaster last month has worked out surprisingly well during the last week and, theoretically, he is on a very good mark for this handicap debut. Preference, though, is for FOREST BLAZE, who looked very well suited by the move back up to this sort of trip when winning at Hexham six weeks ago and is open to further improvement. Aire Spray and Pottersjetamay also make appeal, while a few of the others are very unexposed.[Chris Wilson]
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Displayed some promise in 2m4f Carlisle maiden in November and reportedly had breathing issue when well beaten over 3m last month; had wind surgery soon after that latest run and is open to improvement in handicaps.
Soundly beaten in first two handicaps (2m3f/2m4f) and lacked the pace to land a telling blow when fourth of five at Bangor (2m) last month; may benefit from this move back up in trip but still needs to improve.
Displayed improvement and belied 66-1 odds when third in Doncaster maiden (2m3f, good to soft) in December, form that has worked out very well in recent days; could be on a good mark for handicap debut.
Not beaten far when fifth of six at Catterick (2m3f, good) last month and is another 2lb lower here but is yet to add to her five wins during the 2022-23 season and others have more pressing claims.
Made low-key stable/handicap debut in November but last month's second of 11 at Southwell (2m4f, good to soft) was much better, albeit he may only have been third best on merit; further progress is possible.
Seemingly boosted by first-time cheekpieces when clear second to a next-time-out winner at Southwell (2m4f, good) in November but was not in same form on soft ground last month and is now 0-9 over hurdles.
Kept on from a long way off the pace for third on handicap debut at Hexham (2m, good) in November and opened his account over 2m4f there (soft) last month; still unexposed over this sort of trip and could easily have more to offer.
Maiden pointer; did not show a great deal in four 2m novice hurdles in the autumn but might get more competitive in low-grade handicaps, and today's move up in trip ought to suit.
Returned from long absence with fairly encouraging run last summer but has looked out of sorts since (four runs); blinkers the headgear of choice today; revival needed.
Fair Flat racer who was placed twice over hurdles last season (1m7f/2m1f); never on terms in 2m handicap hurdle here last month but that run came after a break and he might have untapped potential over this trip.
Unexposed 5yo who improved to make winning handicap debut at Carlisle (2m3f, soft) last month; 6lb higher in what looks a more competitive race here but may still have potential.
Well beaten on all three hurdling starts (2m-2m5f) towards end of last year but last summer's bumper second was promising (winner has done well on the Flat since) and he remains unexposed.
Scored off today's mark at Uttoxeter (2m4f, heavy) a year ago but not much has gone to plan since; reverts to hurdling after failing to complete two of his three chases; needs a good boost from the first-time blinkers.
Did not get competitive in three maiden/novice hurdles in autumn 2023 (2m-2m3f) and makes his handicap debut after a 426-day absence but is still worth a glance in the betting.
A well-beaten outsider in three maiden/novice hurdles (2m-2m2f), the latest last month after a long absence; has tongue-tie fitted for handicap debut; considered only if lively in the betting.
Seemed badly to lose his way on the Flat last year and was pulled up when 100-1 for last month's hurdling return (refitted cheekpieces); arrives here with a lot to prove.
0-11 over hurdles and 0-24 overall; gave good account when second at Kelso (2m5f, good) in October but has not been in the same form again since and needs help from the first-time cheekpieces today; 1lb wrong.
1/5 Odds Place 1,2,3,4,5
( Pool guide displayed could change before the race starts & should be used as a guide only )
