It could be worth taking a chance on DR SHIROCCO, who has yet to run over this sort of trip, but has two wins to his credit this season and will be suited by the likely drying ground. Last year's winner Breeze Of Wind and the Alan King-trained Betterforeveryone are two others to consider.[Colin Russell]
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Has a good record fresh, winning first time after a summer break for last two seasons; won over 3m off this at Ayr in October but not quite at his best since; close fourth of five to Breeze Of Wind in this race 12 months ago.
Latest win was off 5lb lower at Doncaster in February last year (3m, soft); best run since when third in a 3m5f handicap at Bangor last time (soft) when blinkered for the first time; cheekpieces on for second time (fell previous occasion); rare stable runner here; drying ground a slight concern but has a chance.
Won this race off a 2lb lower mark last season (heavy); back to form when winning in game style at Ayr last time (3m, heavy); could go well again, although the better ground not sure to suit.
Has won over 3m2f on soft at Kelso; sound reappearance run when third at Ayr in October (3m, good to soft); rather disappointing since; fell in this race two years ago; has a bit to prove.
Won twice for Gordon Elliott in 2023 (2m5f/2m7f, soft); not scored since, but creditable third over 3m2f at Doncaster last time (good); on a decent mark and a possible.
