This looks highly competitive and no surprise if a few of them aren't eligible for this grade for much longer. SPITALFIELD has a mixed record in handicaps but conditions will suit and he was better than the bare result at Doncaster last time out. Ithaka is a big danger on his C&D form in January and is a marginal next best, with Springs A Girl and Geordie Night also respected. Serious Chat and Grangeclare Diego are newcomers to this level with potential.[Emily Weber]
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Bumper winner in Ireland; compiling a useful hurdle record, having won at Stratford (2m6f) and Ludlow (2m5f, also good to soft) either side of a tough task; stout effort in defeat on handicap debut at Ludlow latest and the new trip can suit; hood refitted (unseated the only previous time worn).
Won Irish point; found 3m on heavy too much for him on handicap hurdle debut at Southwell and he hasn't made a strong transition to fences since but novice hurdle form at about 2m4f offers hope; new aids fitted.
Bumper winner; has run to similar level in three hurdles, finding a weak one at Wetherby (2m3f, good) before up against it at Catterick in December (first-time cheekpieces, retained); had wind surgery since; bred to appreciate this greater test; interesting handicap debutant.
Poor completion rate in points but he did win two; definite promise on latest hurdle start, despite being a 25l third, at Newcastle (2m4f, good to soft) last month; can do better now handicapping up in trip.
Well held at Ascot last month but he won twice at 2m7f in December, including over C&D, and a strong-finishing third back over C&D (good to soft) in January was good form for the level; solid claims back down in grade.
Off the mark in good-ground 3m event at Ffos Las last May; was completing for only the second time since back from a break when a never-nearer fourth at Doncaster in January (hampered; only five hurdles jumped); just 2lb higher than the win and a potential improver.
Maiden; beaten favourite when no match for peak-form rival over C&D last month but he'd been progressing nicely previously and shouldn't have any trouble finding a race on previous close third at Wetherby (3m, good to soft; first, fourth and fifth have won since); very likely to go well.
1/4 Odds Place 1,2
( Pool guide displayed could change before the race starts & should be used as a guide only )
