Rising force THE KALOOKI KID (nap) won in good style at Doncaster in December on his second chase start, readily beating a runner-up who had previously looked one to follow when winning at Ascot, and this unexposed novice can defy a 7lb rise. Marble Sands is a consistent sort who can pose the main threat on the back of a solid second at Cheltenham, while last-time-out Newbury winner Saint Segal has to be respected and Fidelio Vallis has a useful record here.[Ben Hutton]
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Made all in the Old Roan at Aintree (2m4f, good) on reappearance then faced very tough task when pulled up in Grade 2 Peterborough Chase; made all over C&D (soft) in January 2023 on sole previous run here and he could make a bold bid now back in a handicap off just 1lb higher than at Aintree.
Looked held when eased/pulled up before two out at Limerick latest (jockey said he appeared to go wrong); however, he was still running a fair race and prior to that he was a creditable third of 19 at Navan; has won on good/soft; this track should suit this Irish raider's prominent style; chance.
Won Listed intermediate chase at Carlisle (2m4f, good to soft) in November and respectable efforts in handicaps the next twice, most recently 9l second of eight at Cheltenham (2m4f, soft); he won over C&D (good to soft) last February on his sole previous visit here and is one to consider.
Soundly beaten on reappearance at Ascot in November and didn't jump well when pulled up here on New Year's Day; has something to prove but he won this last year by 2l off 3lb lower (soft; has also won on good) and could have a part to play if he's back on song.
Completed hat-trick (2m5f-3m, soft) when winning the Topham at Aintree last April; has also won on good to soft; of interest on best form but he hasn't shown it on either run this term, pulling up at Chepstow then soundly beaten in mid-division in 3m5f cross-country handicap at Cheltenham.
Has struggled on both runs this term so hard to be overly confident about his claims, but he has a strong record here (on soft/good to soft) and won over C&D last January, form that was franked when the clear runner-up Corrigeen Rock won this next time; interesting in first-time cheekpieces.
Capitalised on a reduced mark to win by 11l at Newbury (2m4f, good to soft) in December, making virtually all; back up 8lb he remains on a competitive mark on the pick of his form and could play another leading role.
Won twice last winter (2m1f/2m, heavy) and he's not handicapped out of things judged on last season's best form; however, he hasn't been at the very top of his game this term and questions are also posed by today's trip and the forecast good to soft ground.
Ran with credit when 5l second at Ffos Las (2m, soft) three weeks ago and this step back up in trip should be in his favour judged on his clear second at Newbury (2m4f, good to soft) last March when beaten just a neck by a course specialist; possible player.
Two novice hurdle wins last season (2m4f/2m1f, soft/good) and he benefitted from the step back up in trip to win in ready fashion at Doncaster (2m3f, good to soft) in December on his second chase start; that form reads well and this unexposed 7yo could take a 7lb rise in his stride.
11yo who was very useful in Ireland in his prime and belied 125-1 odds when runner-up at Carlisle (2m5f, soft) in December on his second run back from a long absence; he was no match for the winner up the hill close home and perhaps this sharper test will suit; not ruled out each-way.
Made it 3-7 over fences when scoring at Doncaster in November; he's capable of bouncing back from a poor run but he was pulled up at Ascot only a fortnight ago and others arrive with more compelling claims.
1/4 Odds Place 1,2,3
( Pool guide displayed could change before the race starts & should be used as a guide only )
