Kapal Layar and Pragnell (preferred in that order) have pretty solid claims, while a market move for Dan Skelton's newcomer Tyrrhenus will spice things up a bit. However, another chance is given to STAR OF DIAMONDS, who was a disappointing favourite on his second hurdling start but still has scope to build upon his promising debut at Haydock earlier in December.[Chris Wilson]
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Well held before last-flight fall here (2m, soft) on recent hurdling debut but travelled well for a long way in that race and evidently has some ability; moves up in trip today; considered each-way.
Irish point winner; outran 125-1 odds when second on hurdle debut at Plumpton (2m, good to soft) in December but the value of that form is open to question and he was well beaten (albeit on heavy ground) when upped to 2m6f last month; others look safer.
Runner-up on point debut in December and made quite promising start to rules career at Taunton (2m3f, good to soft) last month, keeping on steadily to take remote second; it's tricky to gauge what that form is worth but he's open to improvement.
5-19 in points; seems versatile regarding ground but ended 2024 with two below-par runs and is probably best watched on this rules debut; swaps blinkers for refitted cheekpieces.
Made the frame on all three hurdling starts, most recently when clear second in Class 5 handicap at Uttoxeter (2m, good to soft) last month; that form isn't anything to go wild about but he ought to be suited by today's step up in trip; likely contender.
Absent for 692 days after winning point debut in 2023 but made pleasing start to rules career when a keeping-on fourth at Wetherby (2m3f, soft) three weeks ago and has very obvious scope for progress; respected.
Shaped with some promise before weakening into well-held fourth behind smart rival in heavy-ground Ffos Las bumper last March but not seen again since; now with new stable (previously with Anthony Honeyball).
Irish point winner who ran well for a long way before fading into fourth on rules debut at Haydock (3m, soft) in December; flopped when favourite at Uttoxeter later that month but has strong claims here if back on song and suited by the drop in trip.
Seventh foal; half-brother to connections' very useful hurdler West Balboa and two fair jumpers; dam unraced half-sister to useful chaser Clew Bay Cove; represents a top stable; market support will make him of interest.
From a very good jumping family and showed some ability in his two bumpers but was pulled up on recent hurdling debut (2m6f, heavy) and might be one for a bit further down the line.
