A chance is taken on MONVIEL. He has struggled this season but the returning cheekpieces could be a major positive and he's 7lb lower than when beaten a neck in this race 12 months ago. D'Jo Dela Barriere could be suited by the big-field scenario and is second choice ahead of the unexposed Hidden History on his first run for Dan Skelton. Handicap newcomer Wellington Arch brings potential, while C&D winner Jilaijone can give another good account.[Ben Hutton]
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Just one win from his last 18 starts but that came by a wide margin over C&D (good to soft) in January and he ran another big race when fourth of 17 at Ascot (2m7f, good) last time; every chance he'll be thereabouts.
Won two 3m chases last year and he's well handicapped on that form; however, this 10yo was pulled up on his last hurdle start in October 2021 and there's also a question mark regarding the drop back in trip.
Better than ever last autumn, winning two in a row (2m7f, good; including here) before bumping into handicap blot when third at Aintree (3m, good) in October when last seen; further improvement can't be ruled out but he returns from a break with the drop back in trip a possible negative.
Was wearing these blinkers for the second time when he won at Ludlow (2m5f, good to soft) last month; this 11yo is 5lb higher today against some unexposed types but he's won over C&D and has an each-way chance.
Launched handicap career with four consecutive wins in late 2022 (2m4f/2m5f, good-soft); soundly beaten at Wetherby last month when back from a very long absence and he needs to prove how much ability he retains, but he ran well for a long way and could show the benefit of that outing today.
Won a novice hurdle at Carlisle (2m1f, soft) in December and defied a penalty at Market Rasen (2m, good to soft) recently; could do with jumping better but he brings potential to this handicap debut, especially now up in trip; could have plenty more to offer.
Two easy novice hurdle wins last autumn (2m, good/good to soft); remains lightly raced but was soundly beaten in fourth on handicap debut at Catterick (1m7f, good to soft) last month and improvement is needed now up in trip.
9yo who has been pulled up the last twice, but on heavy ground on the first occasion and back over fences most recently; he's on a good mark on last year's best hurdle form and it will be no surprise if he goes well.
Well beaten on all four starts since November but he's been missing these cheekpieces on his last three outings; he wore them when twice finishing second over C&D last spring (including when beaten a neck in this race) and is well handicapped on that form; interesting contender.
Won in France (2m3f, soft) last September and kept on for 8l second on British debut in Carlisle novice (2m1f, good to soft) last month; improvement needed now in his first handicap but the step up in trip could help this unexposed 5yo; one to watch in the betting.
Attractively handicapped on his form last spring and last month's fifth at Kempton was a step back in the right direction; however he needs to take another if he's to pose a threat this afternoon.
Bumper winner who won early last year on first two hurdle starts (2m5f/2m4f, good to soft/heavy); remains lightly raced for top yard but hasn't threatened this season in his first three handicaps.
Won Lingfield maiden (2m3f, heavy) for Chris Gordon last February and 11l runner-up at Fontwell (3m2f, soft) in December in second handicap; has shown promise on good to soft; has joined Dan Skelton since last time (still in same ownership) and this unexposed 7yo is open to improvement; player.
After a spell with Jennie Candlish he's rejoined Sophie Leech, for whom he was running well in France in spring 2023; well handicapped on that form but this 10yo was well beaten on both starts this winter, following a long absence, and he has plenty to prove.
Lightly raced 6yo who produced his best run yet in a handicap when keeping on for 5l fourth of eight to Whatsupwithyou at Ludlow (2m5f, good to soft) last month; back up in grade today and improvement is needed, but a stronger pace could help in this big field; one to consider.
1/5 Odds Place 1,2,3,4
( Pool guide displayed could change before the race starts & should be used as a guide only )
