Having fought out the finish at Windsor last time, NEMEAN LION and Salver could be the ones to concentrate on today. Salver is 3lb better off with the winner for half a length but Nemean Lion found plenty and could have more left in the tank. Blueking d'Oroux was no match for the front two at Windsor but is better than that and could pose a greater threat today.[Ben Hutton]
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Has work to do having finished behind Nemean Lion and Salver at Windsor (2m4f, soft) last time but he's better than that; reappeared with 1l second in Grade 2 Ascot Hurdle (good; won same race last season) before creditable sixth there in Grade 1 Long Walk (3m, good to soft); respected.
Won Grade 2 Kingwell Hurdle at Wincanton (1m7f, heavy) last February and has been suited by this sort of trip with wins on his last two outings, latest at Windsor (2m4f, soft); the half-length runner-up Salver is 3lb better off today but this highly admirable 8yo will be a tough nut to crack.
Third in last season's Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham and he was keeping on when falling at the final flight in the Grade 2 Relkeel Hurdle there last month on his first crack at 2m4f; half-length second to Nemean Lion at Windsor (2m4f, soft) since and he's 3lb better off with the winner here; key player.
Talented handicapper who was a good third on two of his last three outings for Dan Skelton (2m4f/3m, good to soft/soft); however, considerable improvement is needed now up in grade on debut for new connections.
Goes up in grade today and he was pulled up in a handicap at Ascot (1m7f, good to soft) in December when last seen; however, prior to that he looked progressive when making all in a very competitive handicap at Haydock (2m3f, soft) and is unexposed at today's trip; not ruled out.
1/4 Odds Place 1,2
( Pool guide displayed could change before the race starts & should be used as a guide only )
