A tricky contest despite just the seven runners (four of them C&D winners) and most have something to recommend them. Topweight For Pleasure is conceding age to his six rivals, but he remains very capable at this level. However, slight preference is for BLUEGRASS who is 2-2 over C&D and showed this sort of mark wasn't beyond him when just beaten at Doncaster last time. Ip Up and Max Of Stars are worth a second look from a handicapping point of view.[David Bellingham]
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Fairly useful dual-purpose performer whose seven hurdle wins include one over C&D; 4lb higher than when winning at Haydock (2m, soft) in December, but that was a better race than this one; shouldn't have an issue with good ground and a player.
2-2 over C&D and proved this sort of mark wasn't beyond him when beaten half a length at Doncaster (2m, good to soft) 13 days ago; versatile as regards ground and seems likely to make his presence felt.
Won twice from the front over hurdles on good to soft ground late last year including over C&D; out of his depth in a Listed contest at Huntingdon (2m4f, good to soft) last month, but it was still an uninspiring performance and he needs to bounce back; tongue-tie removed after one use.
Initially did well over hurdles in the 2022/23 season and, having gone missing for 650 days, his two placed efforts late last year suggested the ability remained; ran poorly at Taunton (2m, soft) last month, but the return to good ground should suit; can take a keen hold.
Two wins last winter including over C&D (good to soft); returns to hurdles after a poor effort over fences and is back off her last winning mark; possibilities.
No win since scoring four times over hurdles in the middle of 2023 and not in much form under either code lately, but she is 3lb lower than when second of five over C&D (good) last summer; could be given a chance on that.
1-20 under rules and has endured a couple of lengthy absences in recent years, but he comes into this off the back of a couple of solid placed efforts at Warwick (2m, soft); acts on good ground as well and cannot be dismissed.
1/4 Odds Place 1,2
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