The return to Musselburgh could prompt a revival from AFADIL and he is taken to exploit a mark 4lb lower than when winning this last year. The progressive 6yo Balhambar is second choice ahead of Old Gregorian, who was denied a hat-trick by a course specialist at Kelso last time. Maghlaak could still have more to offer in this code.[Ben Hutton]
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Underwhelming at Ascot (1m7f, good) two weeks ago even allowing for that being a mares' Grade 2, and her best form has come over further; however, before last time she travelled well for stylish wins under Benjamin Macey in two mares' handicaps (2m4f, good to soft/soft; including here) and it's possible she'll be effective at this trip; not ruled out back in a handicap.
Pulled up at Southwell on New Year's Day on soft ground that he should have handled; however, he was in good form previously, winning at Huntingdon (2m, good) before a solid third at Doncaster (2m, good to soft), and it will be no surprise if he bounces back with a good run.
He won a soft-ground bumper here on his debut in January and, following the second of his hurdle wins, he was respectable fifth of 15 in the Greatwood Handicap at Cheltenham (2m, good) in November; not seen to best effect at Aintree most recently but he's a player on his earlier form.
Made it 5-9 over hurdles when making all at Wetherby (2m3f, good) in November on reappearance; won over 2m4f here (soft) last February on sole course visit; not written off but he was soundly beaten at Newbury (2m4f, good to soft) last time and has to leave that run well behind.
Won two in a row last April (2m, soft) and reverted to hurdles with good third of 15 at Cheltenham (2m, good) in November; another very solid run when second at Southwell (2m, soft) on New Year's Day and there's every chance he'll be bang there; cheekpieces return (worn at Cheltenham).
Won at Kelso (2m, good to soft) in October on second handicap start and easily followed up at Wetherby (2m, good); 4l second at Kelso (2m, soft) most recently but that was still a very creditable run behind a winner who excels at the Borders venue; retains potential and firmly in calculations.
He hasn't been at his best on his four starts since October and was tailed off on his latest start at Southwell on New Year's Day; however, he's dropped to a mark 4lb lower than when winning this last year (good to soft) on his last course visit, and he's always run well here; he's on the shortlist.
11yo who was disappointing at Haydock last time but has otherwise thrived since this visor went on last March, winning three times (2m/2m1f, soft-good; including here); fair third at Kelso (2m, soft) two starts ago and he's no forlorn hope each-way at forecast big odds.
Useful on the Flat and, having got off the mark over hurdles at the fourth attempt (2m, good to soft), he easily followed up under James Robottom on his handicap debut at Catterick (1m7f, soft) on New Year's Day; busy spell may have caught up with him when below par five days later; up in grade today but retains potential and could go well in first-time cheekpieces.
He's reverted to hurdles the last twice and run well in second each time (soft/good to soft), over C&D on the first occasion; takes a steep rise in grade today but this consistent C&D winner has an each-way shout.
Not the force old on the Flat (useful in his prime) and 0-7 over hurdles, but consistent in this code and was a clear second of six to a highly progressive winner over C&D on New Year's Day; each-way claims.
1/4 Odds Place 1,2,3
( Pool guide displayed could change before the race starts & should be used as a guide only )
