There can be optimism the fast-improving 6yo WALK ON QUEST will be fine now back up to 3m and he is taken to make it 5-5 over fences. Eyed has also thrived this season and could be the chief threat ahead of Minella Blueway, who is unexposed in the cheekpieces. Deafening Silence could still be capable of better.[Ben Hutton]
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Grade 2 novice hurdle winner who got off the mark over fences at the fourth attempt in a three-runner novice at Warwick (3m, soft) last month in first-time cheekpieces (retained); has also won on good to soft ground; could have more to offer for top yard now back in a handicap; solid claims.
Hasn't really convinced over fences but didn't run badly when a soundly beaten third at Taunton (2m7f, soft) last month, and having run in snatches that day it's possible he'll be sharper now in cheekpieces; well treated on best hurdle form; could go well if headgear has the desired effect.
Won at Aintree (3m1f, soft) in December and good second at Windsor (3m4f, soft) next time; fair third at Carlisle (3m, good to soft) since; he may prefer a stiffer test of stamina than he'll get on today's forecast good to soft ground, but he's only six and could still have more left in the tank; first-time blinkers replace the cheekpieces worn the last twice.
Made it 4-4 over fences in convincing fashion at Kelso (extended 2m5f, good to soft) a fortnight ago; stamina to prove now back up in trip but this 3m point runner-up has staying potential and a 4lb rise for last time could prove lenient for this lightly raced 6yo; strong contender.
Won when back over fences for his handicap debut at Wetherby (3m, soft) in December and solid efforts when second the next twice (2m6f/3m, soft); won a point on good to soft; might not be far away.
Won two in a row in November (3m/3m2f, good) and close second at Wincanton (3m1f, good to soft) in December; soundly beaten second at Exeter three weeks ago but heavy ground may not have been ideal; each-way shout.
Has done extremely well since joining this yard and has won his last three completed starts, the latest at Kempton (3m, good to soft) last month; clearly progressive and latest 5lb rise may not stop him this afternoon.
Won off this mark over hurdles at Southwell (2m4f, good) and it's possible the step up in trip will suit; however, he hasn't really shone on his three chase starts and major improvement is needed following a wind op.
Returned to form with a win in first-time cheekpieces at Ludlow (3m, soft) last month; that four-runner handicap fell apart somewhat but he was nevertheless impressive and could take a 4lb rise in his stride if the cheekpieces maintain their positive effect; also effective on good to soft.
1/5 Odds Place 1,2,3
( Pool guide displayed could change before the race starts & should be used as a guide only )
