A competitive chase despite just the seven runners. Winning pointer and dual winning hurdler El Granjero is interesting on chase debut, as is the lightly raced Korus. Fakenham winner Sainte Doctor is respected and Pilsdon Pen may have come on from his Lingfield reappearance, but I SHUT THAT D'OR has been flying since November and is taken to continue his rich vein of form despite the 5lb higher mark and longer trip.[David Bellingham]
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Won twice on soft ground over hurdles at Hereford (2m4f/2m6f) last spring and, with cheekpieces fitted, has bounced back to form with two runner-up finishes at Uttoxeter (2m4f, soft/good to soft); the form of both of those races has been boosted and it will be interesting to see how he takes to fences (1-1 in points).
Three-time winner over fences, the last two in good-ground hunter chases (2m4f/3m) in the first half of 2022; below his best in three starts last spring following a mammoth absence and returns from another 283 days off here; has a bit to prove.
Did well after being switched to fences last winter including two wins at Wincanton (2m4f, soft/good to soft); well beaten last of four at Lingfield (2m4f) last month, but he was racing on heavy ground after more than a year off so may well have needed it; no surprise if he fares better.
Won twice over fences (2m4f) in April 2023, but went missing for 18 months before returning in October; showed her ability remains when beating three rivals at Fakenham (2m5f, good) last month and respected up 3lb, especially if the ground continues to dry out.
Off the mark on his second start over fences at Huntingdon (3m, good; 25-1) in November, but has been disappointing since and cheekpieces made little difference last time; needs a resurgence.
Has suddenly taken off since returning to fences in November (form 1211) and even his tendency to jump left couldn't stop him at Hereford (2m3f, soft) last time (runner-up has won since); up another 5lb and has never tackled this far over fences before, but he was won over 2m5f over hurdles; major player.
0-7 under rules, but made a promising chase debut when third of seven at Plumpton (2m4f, soft) four weeks ago; a couple of those behind won their next starts so he looks interesting, especially with the longer trip likely to suit.
1/5 Odds Place 1,2,3
( Pool guide displayed could change before the race starts & should be used as a guide only )
