Salley Gardens seems likely to give another good account and be on the premises but BADBURY RINGS has made very good progress in recent weeks and seemed to have a fair bit left in the tank when winning at Wincanton 12 days ago. He can overcome a 9lb rise here. Longshanks and Drash On Ruby are others to consider.[Chris Wilson]
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Back from long absence with three good runs this season, the latest a second in refitted cheekpieces at Huntingdon (2m4f, soft) last month; still unexposed at around 3m and still on a workable mark; ought to be in the shake-up again.
Off the mark over hurdles at sixth attempt, coming from the rear and doing it very comfortably under confident Conor O'Farrell ride at Wincanton (3m, soft) 12 days ago; 9lb higher here but still commands respect.
Placed in four handicap hurdles (2m5f-3m) in early part of 2024; just a respectable fifth when back under rules at Exeter (2m7f, soft) last month but that run may have brought him on and Harry Cobden takes the ride today.
Returned to form and ran big race in defeat when back over hurdles in refitted cheekpieces at Ffos Las (2m4f, heavy) in December but was quickly back in the doldrums last month and now has it all to prove again.
Runner-up over 2m3f here (soft) last spring and made the frame at Exeter on first two starts this season (2m/2m5f); might have untapped potential over 3m but needs to rebound from a below-par run in January.
Landed a gamble when winning by 6l at Exeter (2m5f, soft) on New Year's Day, his second run after a long absence, but misbehaved and looked unenthusiastic on recent chasing debut; quickly switches back to hurdling here; has a point to prove.
Won 14-runner Newton Abbot maiden (2m2f, good) on last summer's stable debut but all three subsequent handicap runs (2m3f-2m5f) were underwhelming; tries a new trip here; needs to up his game.
