Having finished second in the Grade 1 Kauto Star Novices' Chase over C&D in December, HYLAND (nap) has an attractive mark to work with back in a handicap and earns the vote ahead of fellow novice Lowry's Bar, who is also progressing very nicely. The unexposed Katate Dori has room for improvement in his jumping and is next on the list ahead of December's runaway C&D winner Beachcomber and 2023 winner Our Power.[Ben Hutton]
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Novice who won two handicaps in a row in December (2m3f, soft) before creditable second of three in Grade 2 novice at Windsor (3m, soft) last month, when a bad mistake three out was costly; he's unraced on the forecast good ground and has a lofty mark now back in a handicap, but this 7yo is clearly progressive and it will be no surprise if he plays a leading role.
Made it 3-4 over fences with Listed novice win at Cheltenham (3m, good) in November before fine second in the Grade 1 Kauto Star Novices' Chase over this C&D (good) in December; has won on good to soft over hurdles; could be on a good mark now back in a handicap and he's firmly in calculations.
10yo who has raced just five times since winning this in 2023 (good) but he's been a very creditable second at Cheltenham (3m2f/3m1f, good to soft/soft) on both starts this season and could be in the mix.
Won Grade 1 novice hurdle in January 2023 and this second-season chaser was a close fourth of seven at Wetherby in December on his first crack at 3m (good to soft); however, he needs something extra in this hotter race.
Trainer's horses often improve as they go up in trip and this 3m point winner is just 1lb higher than when winning over 2m4f at Musselburgh last February; however, he hasn't hit the same heights this season and hasn't shaped as though the step up in distance will be an obvious plus.
Went close here (2m4f, soft) last February then won two in a row at favourite course Newbury (2m4f, heavy/good to soft); he's back down to his last winning mark but has been soundly beaten at Newbury and Aintree on his two runs this season and is untested at today's trip; something to prove.
Two hurdle wins last season (including on good ground) and first-time blinkers (retained) provoked a chunk of improvement over C&D (good to soft) in December when he won by 10l; a 9lb rise may not stop him today.
Inconsistent in Britain but he won here (2m4f, soft) last February and returned to form when third over this C&D (good to soft) in December; he was no match for the easy winner Beachcomber last time but that was still a creditable performance and he seems to like it here; in with a chance.
Won on chase debut at Warwick (2m4f, good) in October and continued in good form on next three starts (2m4f, good/good to soft); perhaps soft ground doesn't suit nowadays, which may excuse his latest run; however, improvement is needed in this hot handicap and he's unraced beyond 2m5f.
Absent since pulled up at Ayr last April on final run for Harry Fry; however, he was runner-up three times over fences last season and is not ruled out each-way in a first-time tongue-tie on stable debut.
Won at Fontwell (3m3f, good) in November then a fair third the last twice (3m4f/3m, soft/good); early unseat at Plumpton 12 days ago; finished second over C&D last May but in a less competitive race than this and a stiffer test of stamina is probably preferable.
Kept on for second at Kelso (2m5f, good to soft) in November and built on that to win a competitive handicap at Doncaster (3m, good to soft) in December; he likes Doncaster and this is his first run here, but that latest form has been franked by the runner-up and he's not discounted up 4lb.
0-7 over hurdles but won his first two chase starts last month (3m/3m2f, soft/heavy) before good second at Wincanton (3m2f, good to soft) last time; goes up in grade today and could do with jumping better than on his latest start, but he's open to further improvement if finding greater fluency.
1/5 Odds Place 1,2,3,4
( Pool guide displayed could change before the race starts & should be used as a guide only )
