In what looks a competitive race the vote goes to DIAMOND MIX, who was runner-up in a strong race at Newcastle on his second chase start last time. Wetherby winner Konfusion, dual C&D scorer Shadows In The Sky and the in-form Low Mileage are three others with a chance.[Colin Russell]
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Off the mark on second start over fences at Wetherby last month (2m3f, soft; second has since won by 13l); now 8lb higher but is 3lb higher in future handicaps; should go well again.
Won two C&D handicap chases on good ground last year, the second in October; below par on both starts since; back after a break and with conditions to suit is worth considering.
Won handicap hurdle here last June (2m4f, soft); yet to win over fences; beaten 24l by Konfusion at Wetherby last time but now meets him on 11lb better terms; each-way chance.
Runner-up at Carlisle (2m, good to soft) and Kelso (2m1f, good to soft) in the autumn but has been a shade disappointing since; on a good mark now but a bit to prove, including his stamina.
Career-best run when runner-up on second chase start at Newcastle last time (2m, good to soft); that form is solid as winner won by 21l when completing a hat-trick next time and third has also won since; up in trip; contender.
18-race maiden; sound efforts in cheekpieces last twice, finishing third at Catterick (1m7f, good) and runner-up at Musselburgh (2m4f, good to soft); interesting.
Won a mares' handicap chase at Carlisle in November (2m4f, good); hasn't run as well since and has a bit to find with Low Mileage on last month's Musselburgh form; this stiffer track should be more in her favour.
Record of 1-22 over hurdles; decent second at Ayr last time (2m4f, soft) on first run back following wind surgery; probably best watched on his chase debut.
Won a novice handicap chase over C&D in May 2023; pulled up on both starts since, latest on return from a long break with cheekpieces tried (left off here); plenty to prove.
1/5 Odds Place 1,2,3
( Pool guide displayed could change before the race starts & should be used as a guide only )