Jackpot Cash would have to be respected if he has improved generally after his successful return to hurdles on stable debut last time, while Chumlee also makes the shortlist on this second start back from a break with the likely conditions not an issue. Grasshopper Time's pedigree provides encouragement for this switch to fences, but NIGHT JET already has the form on the board having made a successful chase debut at Leicester 13 days ago. He may still have more to offer in this discipline.[David Bellingham]
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Placed in a French bumper as a 3yo, but well held in a bumper and three starts over hurdles for Nicky Henderson last winter; again well held on stable/chase debut at Chepstow (3m, good to soft; first-time tongue-tie) in October; drop in trip will need to make a big difference back from another absence.
Some promise over hurdles for Evan Williams early last year, but three starts over fences after returning in November didn't go to plan; made a successful return to hurdles on stable debut at Southwell (2m4f, good to soft) nine days ago and although he has something to prove back over fences, is respected if he has generally turned a corner.
0-19 under rules and failed to beat a rival on stable debut on the AW last time, but had previously finished third of 11 over fences at Market Rasen (2m1f, good to soft) on his final start for Alan King; still has enough to prove, though.
Dual hurdles winner on heavy ground at Newcastle (2m1f); never figured on chase debut at Carlisle (2m, soft) this month, but may have needed it after 247 days off; could go well with the likely testing conditions not an issue.
0-13 in bumpers/hurdles, though he has made the frame on six occasions (underwent wind surgery before latest outing); half-brother to three winners over fences so he could play a part in this new discipline.
No win in his first 16 starts, but he was running well over hurdles prior to making a successful chase debut in returning cheekpieces at Leicester (2m, soft) 13 days ago; 6lb higher but may still have more to offer over fences; high on the list.
Lightly raced since going close over hurdles at the end of 2022 and didn't show enough on his return from another absence over fences at Leicester (2m4f, soft) in December to make him of interest here; 3lb out of the weights.
Winning pointer but just 1-30 under rules, the win coming over hurdles at Southwell (2m4f, soft) last May; fair third of eight over fences at Leicester (2m4f, soft) 13 days ago and each-way claims on that performance, despite being 3lb out of the weights.
Third of six on chase debut at Catterick (2m, soft) at the end of 2023 and was then off for a year; has fallen in both chase starts since back from absence, the latest at Leicester yesterday.
Won a point bumper in April 2023, but poor in nine starts over hurdles, pulling up on five occasions; 7lb out of the weights on chase debut and hard to recommend.
1/5 Odds Place 1,2,3
( Pool guide displayed could change before the race starts & should be used as a guide only )
