With the blinkers retained, BAD could well show further improvement and follow up his C&D win. Last year's runner-up Flegmatik is feared most, ahead of last year's winner Outlaw Peter who is now worse off with that rival but still needs a place on the shortlist. Bourbali is a solid contender and Sure Touch is interesting on forecast good ground.[Steve Boow]
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Useful chaser for Willie Mullins and is on a workable mark judged on best form; however, looks far from solid on his efforts (hurdles/fences) for new yard; others preferred.
Successful in notable handicaps at Cheltenham (2m4f) and Aintree (3m1f) in the 2022-23 campaign and is well treated on that form; hasn't looked the same horse since, however.
Shaped better than bare result suggests over the National fences at Aintree in sole run this term; has form figures of 123112 in races at about 2m4f over conventional fences, including a success in this contest last year; shortlisted.
Landed the Summer Plate at Market Rasen in July, completing a four-timer; shaped better than bare result in the C&D event won by Bad most recently; interesting if the ground is good (5-9 on that surface).
Losing run goes back to his success in the 2023 Old Roan; has failed to repeat that form since, most recently second in Class 3 at Newcastle; returns to a deeper field and goes back up in grade.
Rather frustrating for a while but registered an emphatic success in second-time blinkers over C&D (good to soft; fifth chase start) most recently, belatedly opening his British account; could show further progress in the retained blinds; respected.
Largely consistent record at Kempton features three wins, and the soft ground wasn't ideal in most recent course attempt; creditable second (off 10lb higher) behind Outlaw Peter in this race last year and is weighted to reverse the placings.
Two course wins, the latest in October; consistent efforts since, about 10l third to Bad over C&D most recently; the revised terms give him a fighting chance in the rematch with that rival; solid contender.
Most of his chase form is at longer distances; seemed unsuited by the drop back to 2m4f last time and is best watched; gained most recent win over 3m3f last June.
Record of 0-5 since switched to fences but turn looks near, having finished second at Wetherby and Newbury the last twice; however, needs some improvement to go one better in this stronger grade.
1/5 Odds Place 1,2,3
( Pool guide displayed could change before the race starts & should be used as a guide only )
