Add 156 yards. All of these would have a chance if putting their best foot forward. THE QUESTIONER is on his winning chase mark and should appreciate this return to fences. There are some ground concerns about Percy Veering so the danger could be Basford, who is a chaser with more to offer.[Alistair Jones]
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Just ahead of Giovanni Change when runner-up in the Lincolnshire National over C&D on Boxing Day and was keen under more positive tactics when only fifth back here over 3m; can be effective front-running and he's capable of a big run if settling, especially with Ben Smith taking off 8lb.
Got himself well handicapped after losing his way and went close at Fakenham two runs back (3m5f, good to soft); Bangor was disappointing as he travelled well but found nothing (soft wouldn't have bothered him); still unwise to discount.
Three-time hurdle winner on good ground (2m5f-3m); still early days over fences and he's getting the hang of things judged on his second at Fakenham (3m5f), albeit in a very small field; thereabouts.
Usually runs this track well, as when third over C&D on Boxing Day; not as good he was, though, and his final visit here was disappointing (3m no excuse); others preferred.
Completed a soft-ground hat-trick in late 2023 and, having had wind surgery, he returned to form with a close second over 3m here in November (soft), pulling clear with the favourite; off for 97 days, but goes well fresh so has clear claims off 3lb higher if he stays and handles this quicker surface.
Only had three chase runs and he's off the same mark for the 3m2f win at Doncaster just over two years ago; has to recapture that level of form but he's been running over hurdles this season.
1/5 Odds Place 1,2,3
( Pool guide displayed could change before the race starts & should be used as a guide only )
