Bernard Llewellyn's ZAMBEZI FIX (nap) finished behind Sao Carlos when keeping on for fourth at Warwick a fortnight ago but this stiffer track suits him very well and, from a good mark, he can win this race for the second time in his career. Sao Carlos ought to run well again but Royal Way will be dangerous in this grade if back on song and he is feared more.[Chris Wilson]
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Held on gamely from unexposed rival to make all under Harriet Tucker at Newbury (2m, soft) last month and is now 2-12 over hurdles; recent 7lb rise asks quite a lot of him here but he's evidently in very good nick.
Enjoyed a revival and won twice for Nicky Henderson in October (2m4f/2m2f) but was sold for £15,000 after a disappointing run on Boxing Day and remains on a fairly tough mark for this stable debut.
Developed into a useful juvenile hurdler last season and made very encouraging reappearance at Cheltenham in October; not much has gone to plan since but he still has plenty of time to get his career back on track.
Won this race in 2023 and came second in it 12 months ago; not firing on all cylinders this season but kept on for very respectable fourth at Warwick (2m, soft; just behind Sao Carlos) a fortnight ago and returns here on a good mark.
Started off for Dan Skelton with two wins and a creditable second on good to firm/good last summer/autumn but was safely held on soft ground this month, after a break, and the conditions are a worry again here.
Now 2lb lower than when placed in valuable race at Market Rasen (2m, good) last summer but did not get competitive at Taunton (2m, soft) this month, after a break, and will probably be of greater interest when back on quicker ground.
Low-mileage 7yo; yet to make any significant progress since winning soft-ground Wetherby maiden in early 2024 but, following a wind op, ran well from the front when placed at Warwick (2m, soft) a fortnight ago and is another 1lb lower here.
1/4 Odds Place 1,2
( Pool guide displayed could change before the race starts & should be used as a guide only )