Tradesman is more than capable off this mark but has got into the habit of completely fluffing the start and a lot will hinge on how he gets away, going without headgear for the first time in almst two years. Conversely Optician is as reliable as clockwork round here and should go well again, but ROGUE TORNADO turned in a career-best effort on his first crack at 1m6f on Tapeta last time and can defy a 4lb rise.[Graham Wheldon]
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Lingfield win early in the year came off a 4lb lower mark and he's been held since; has only gone this far once, when not seeing it out on soft ground as a 3yo, and is a strong traveller who has stamina to prove.
Got up to beat Robusto in a busy finish off 2lb lower at Southwell in January before out of his depth in Group 3 company on his first start for Martin Dunne three weeks ago; there's little room for manoeuvre off this mark.
Allowed his own way in front when beaten a neck by Pleasant Man at Southwell in January (2lb better off tonight); hung right when well below that level last time and is ultimately weighted to his best.
Hard to win with these days and, unsurprisingly given his age, has become inconsistent; finished well held in a similar race behind Optician over C&D when last seen in December and there's nothing to suggest he's best caught fresh.
Won well at Southwell two weeks ago; a 4lb rise puts him on a career-high mark but he hasn't had many attempts over this trip, or on Tapeta, and could well be up to the task.
Things didn't fall his way behind two of these at Southwell in January and he's always been best round here (five-time course winner); is straightforward and reliable, and should go well again.
Handles Tapeta but is best known for his Chelmsford work and has three poor efforts to his name here, including one at a short price; is long odds-on to blow the start too, so doesn't come without risk, going without headgear for the first time in ages.
1/4 Odds Place 1,2
( Pool guide displayed could change before the race starts & should be used as a guide only )
