Roger Varian's GLEN BUCK didn't look all out when seeing off a next-time-out winner over 1m3f here last month and a 6lb rise doesn't look enough to stop this very lightly raced 6yo taking his career record to an impressive 4-5. There's nothing wrong with the form of Path To Dubai's C&D win in January and he can bounce from a no more than respectable run at Wolverhampton since and provide the chief threat. The shortlist is completed by Arqoob, who was a good third in the course event won by the selection and might have had his stamina stretched by 2m at Newcastle since. [Andrew Sheret]
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Useful on his day for the Gosdens; sold for only 7,000gns in October but has shown he retains plenty of ability on AW for new yard in recent months; needed to see a bit more to make him of major interest here, though.
Built on a promising comeback run at Wolverhampton when proving too strong for Old Harrovian (pair 2.75l clear of Arqoob in third) over 1m3f here seven weeks ago; the runner-up won comfortably off 3lb higher next time so this very lightly 6yo could still be well treated even after a 6lb rise, particularly as 1m4f could suit even better.
Losing run goes back to July 2023 but latest close third at Kempton (1m3f) shows he's on a competitive mark and William Buick has been booked; should be on the premises.
Fairly useful on Flat for Karl Burke, changing hands for 150,000 after winning over 1m4f last July; made an inauspicious start to his hurdle career at Cheltenham four weeks ago, albeit in a Grade 2, and connections waste no time returning him to the Flat; AW debut.
Got up on the nod over 1m6f at Goodwood last May but found life tougher off higher marks subsequently; should find this trip more suitable than the 9.4f he tackled on Wolverhampton reappearance three weeks ago, but still hard to make a good case for.
Made a good return to the Flat when third to the reopposing Glen Buck over 1m3f here last month; placed over as far as 2m5f over hurdles but he weakened late as if 2m on the Flat might have stretched him at Newcastle since; the run here is good form and he's an each-way player.
Gained his first win in handicaps over 1m4f at Lingfield last month but went up 5lb and comfortably held in third in his two outings since; 1lb lower now but it doesn't look enough.
Knocking on the door (including C&D) since returning from ten months off in December, but his mark hasn't budged as a result and he'll need to find a bit more from somewhere to land a second success.
Low-mileage 4yo; just edged out by Plage De Havre on his C&D reappearance but promoted to first after suffering interference; that rival bolted up at Newcastle next time so a short-priced defeat for this one at Wolverhampton (1m6f) 11 days ago probably shouldn't be taken to suggest that the handicapper has got him.
His three wins for David Evans came on soft/heavy ground; down the field on both AW starts for that trainer and always behind on Newcastle yard debut a fortnight ago; can only watch.
Can start slowly and usually held up; in good form on AW this winter, winning at Newcastle in December/January and runner-up three times since, including C&D; engaged 8.15 here on Friday.
1/5 Odds Place 1,2,3
( Pool guide displayed could change before the race starts & should be used as a guide only )
