All need a second look but slight preference is for DE KINGPIN following his battling display over 2m4f on soft ground at Newbury, form which has been boosted by the fourth and fifth past the post. Sole Solution's apparent strength in stamina puts him second on the list, even though the first choice of handicap engagement for him this week was over 3f further, while Just Lucky Sivola also needs a prominent mention after his effort petered out over an extended 2m7f on his latest outing.[Richard Austen]
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Flopped at Lingfield (2m, soft; made most) on penultimate start; off the mark at Newbury (upped to 2m4f, soft) in December thanks only to the winning jockey's whip offence, but kept at it tenaciously to get within a head and those battling qualities will be called upon on today's handicap debut.
Placed in all three of his points and, after 606 days off, gained further minor honours when appearing over about 2m (including on soft) under Ben Ffrench Davis in his two races over hurdles; upped in trip for this handicap debut and a step forward may be possible.
Long time out after impressing in two bumpers (soft/heavy); getting the hang of it again over hurdles this winter, asserting strongly in the closing stages when 11-10 favourite for a novice at Hereford (extended 2m6f, soft; made most) 17 days ago after looking a hard ride hanging left; has clear potential for stamina tests (he was due to make handicap debut over 2m7f at Exeter on Wednesday) and this could still be a slog.
Heavy-ground bumper win on debut, unraced on worse than good to soft since; led on the line over 2m4f at Hereford in November on second start over hurdles but seemed stretched by 2m7f when about 14l third on handicap debut at Ascot; better is needed but this step back in down looks a plus.
Close second over 2m4f at Carlisle and backed up that form when third over about 3m in maidens at Haydock (soft) and Uttoxeter; needs extra on this handicap debut and cheekpieces are enlisted, for in-form stable.
Can race freely but saw it out well under Daire McConville when coming from the back to win a maiden at Stratford (2m6f; 80-1) in October and mares' novice at Ludlow (extended 2m5f) in December, both on good to soft; out of her depth at Newbury in between; brings potential to handicap debut.
Ran in handicaps on last four starts, clearly his best efforts when second at Fontwell (extended 2m3f, soft; held up) and Fakenham (2m, good; made most at 1-2) on last two occasions; probably vulnerable to an improver in this field too.
Easily best effort when winning a Chepstow bumper on heavy going last February; well beaten over hurdles this term but this is a marked step up in trip and going handicapping could spark an upturn; he needs a market check.
Form of first two starts over hurdles looked better form than his subsequent two; latest was handicap debut at Windsor (2m4f, good to soft) seven weeks ago when beaten 17l into fourth of 13; two of the three ahead of him have won since but he still needs markedly better than that performance.
1/5 Odds Place 1,2,3
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