His attempt to defend his Edinburgh National crown five weeks ago did not last long but INIS OIRR remains on a good mark and ought to cope well with the drying ground. Last year's runner-up Laskalin returned to form in a soft-ground marathon at Bangor last month but conditions may turn against him and the 12yo Musical Slave, who arrives fresh, might be a bigger threat to the selection.[Chris Wilson]
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Took form to whole new level when wide-margin winner of Edinburgh National at Musselburgh (3m7f, good to soft) in first-time visor last season; yet to match that performance this term and didn't get far when fitted with blinkers for this year's Edinburgh National but he's on a good mark and the new headgear may yet prompt a revival.
3-7 over fences; ran well when third (albeit well held in the end) in valuable Haydock handicap (3m1f, soft) on seasonal debut in November but was pulled up at Wincanton last month and the drying ground may not be ideal for him here.
Ended last season in excellent form, completing a hat-trick with clearcut success at Exeter (3m6f, heavy), but made nothing better than a satisfactory reappearance in October and was pulled up in Welsh Grand National on only subsequent appearance; still on a fairly tough mark and needs to get back in the groove.
Dual chase winner in 2022 (3m1f/2m7f); gave good account when upped to 3m4f at Ffos Las (soft) in April 2023 but has fitness to prove after 701-day absence; market may guide.
Just 1-12 over fences and unreliable but was second to a progressive rival at Lingfield (2m7f, heavy) last month and should also be suited by today's trip-and-ground combination.
Bounced back to form in first-time blinkers at Bangor (3m5f, soft) last month, winning North Wales National under Lucy Turner; it's hard to tell whether the new headgear will continue to have a positive effect, and the forecast quicker ground here is probably not ideal, but he's still 5lb lower than when second in this race a year ago.
On the downgrade now and unreliable but won off much reduced mark at Fontwell (3m2f, good to soft) in the autumn and returns from three-month break with trip/ground suitable; not out of this.
1/5 Odds Place 1,2,3
( Pool guide displayed could change before the race starts & should be used as a guide only )
