All six runners have something going for them but ROYAL JEWEL displayed a very willing attitude to win here last month and, with Callum Pritchard claiming a useful 5lb today, he is selected to follow up. King Arise has made a very solid start to his chasing career and is second choice.[Chris Wilson]
Watch Live UK & Irish Racing
Simply place a bet of £5 or more on
any UK or Irish race to watch the action live!
Tends to race a bit too freely but battled gamely to open chasing account here (2m, heavy; front pair clear) last month, his fifth start over fences; will be fine over today's longer trip and his recent 5lb rise if offset by Callum Pritchard's very useful claim; good chance.
Won comfortably by 11l at Wincanton (2m4f, good to soft) in December and was a close second in his other three chases; raised another 5lb since Uttoxeter (2m4f, good to soft) last month but the front pair drew well clear of the others there and good 5lb claimer Luke Scott is booked here; respected.
Course winner over hurdles last season (2m3f, heavy) and made quite promising chase debut in December; yet to build on that performance but was in contention before bad jumping error seemed to knock the stuffing out of him in the straight here a fortnight ago (first-time visor); no surprise if he gets his act together over fences soon.
Lost out only by a head here (2m7f, good) in November and should also be suited by today's trip-and-ground combintion but his latest run was disappointing and he's now 0-11 under rules; swaps cheekpieces for first-time visor today; others appeal more.
Very lightly raced 7yo who comfortably won Wetherby novice hurdle (2m, soft) in December; just a respectable fourth of six on recent chase/handicap debut at Carlisle (2m, soft) but today's longer trip is likely to suit him and he probably still has potential.
Three-time hurdle winner who kept on well to make winning chase debut at Exeter (2m1f, soft) last month; pulled up at Wincanton since, having made made jumping errors at consecutive fences, but still has scope to for further progress in this sphere.
1/4 Odds Place 1,2
( Pool guide displayed could change before the race starts & should be used as a guide only )
