Not a gimme for the unpenalised Fairlawn Flyer, with both the sharp 3m and likely good ground of at least some concern. KIT'S COTY would greet a sound surface more favourably, however, and can exploit both that and the drop to a 0-100 to get back on track. Supasunrise (back on his winning mark), Kapamazov (if getting the basics right) and Dark Mix (if able to back up a better last-time effort) are preferred of the remainder in that order. [Jeremy Grayson]
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Hasn't gone on from October's Ludlow chase debut third (3m, good), but softer ground and (latest) wholesale fence omissions may not have helped; can revive dropped to a 0-100, barring a deluge; gains tongue-tie.
Remains on the same lowest mark since November 2021 following last week's win in a Market Rasen conditional riders' handicap (3m4f, good to soft); longer still since he won over a sharp 3m, however, and a record of 0-11 on good ground versus 7-16 on softer inevitably concerns.
Strong late on when held by under 1l at Leicester last month (2m4f, heavy), settling far better; three flops beforehand so needs to prove able to back up that effort, but looks the part as a chaser (imposing type).
Second at Fakenham on New Year's Day in debuted cheekpieces (2m5f, good to soft), but weakened over today's C&D next time and wind surgery has followed; good ground has been deemed unsuitable once previously.
Best granted a sharp, flat right-handed track, but present attainment level uncertain having overraced in front on November's seasonal return here (debuted blinkers are retained); from the family of Hand Inn Hand and Tom Brodie, so may yet take to his new vocation of chasing.
Can throw in an error but an initial refusal to settle was likely costlier when fourth at Southwell latest (3m, good to soft); outran his mark there yet still eased another 1lb; chance if getting it all right.
Lowest mark since June 2023 looks exploitable, and ground should be in his favour more than on either previous start this year; pulled up on both previous attempts with a tongue-tie fitted, however.
Two places but not much more than a length behind Boys Of Wexford when fourth in this race last year (soft); unimproved by a tongue-tie here latest (retained) but notably is back at last to his previous winning mark.
Well held when second in this off 4lb lower last year (Supasunrise fourth); rise for November's Fontwell win (2m6f, good; jumped violently right) appears to have compromised him for win purposes again for now.
Effectiveness of the blinkers debuted on last April's Hereford win off 1lb higher (2m5f, good to soft) quickly dissipated, and a record of 466 in today's returning visor doesn't quicken the pulse; overlooked.
Winner at Taunton (twice) and Wincanton, so ought to enjoy this course; back up 2lb for not winning last time, however, and potential pace rivals await (most probably Boys Of Wexford for one).
This is more realistic than the 0-120 C&D mares' handicap she contested from well out of the weights last time, but previous limited achievements over fences necessarily temper enthusiasm all the same.
1/4 Odds Place 1,2,3
( Pool guide displayed could change before the race starts & should be used as a guide only )
