With earlier evidence that he can cope with good ground, if that prevails, SAINT SEGAL (nap) looks the most solid option by some way given the bold shows he's produced up front on his last three starts, two of which were over C&D. Scarface made a bad blunder when he trailed in way behind the selection here last time but otherwise should be in the shake-up, while veteran Numitor (runner-up in this two years ago) should also be on the premises if bouncing straight back from a modest show last time.[Richard Austen]
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Bossed lesser opposition on first four starts over fences (2m-2m1f; good or good to firm) last May-July; early mistake seemed to dent his confidence next time (pulled up) and well beaten in valuable event at Ascot (2m1f, good) in November on his only start since; won a novice hurdle over 2m3f but whether this step back up in trip will suit is unclear; trainer has good record in this race.
Returned to front-running tactics last three starts and it resulted in career-best form, winning over C&D (good to soft) in December before bold shows in two valuable handicaps, the latest off this mark back over C&D (soft); his notable good-ground form was in 2023 but he needs major respect.
Ex-Irish 7yo who has contested three handicap chases for new stable, looking a non-stayer over 3m1f on second occasion but that's far better than his 2m4f/2m5f races either side; dropped 6lb in the process and he now wears a tongue-tie and cheekpieces, both for the first time.
Veteran who returned from break with wins at Wincanton (2m4f, good) in October and Cheltenham (2m4f, good to soft) in December; pulled up at Market Rasen two months ago but he has bounced back before and he was second in this race in 2023; each-way player again.
Launched chasing career with three good runs last season but fell next time and suffered heavy defeats in his three starts since; this should be a good mark but plenty now seems to depend on January's wind surgery.
Inconsistent 10yo whose peak efforts have been on testing ground, though not disgraced on good to soft three weeks ago (unraced on good since 2021); won well from the front at Wetherby (extended 2m3f, soft; 5lb higher today) on penultimate start but there are doubts today.
Won a four-runner handicap on his chase debut at Ascot (2m3f, good) in November; pulled up on all three starts since, which casts a major cloud even though a return to good ground today would presumably be a benefit.
Three handicap wins over about this trip as a novice chaser last season, the last of which was on good ground; continued to look pretty solid this term until valuable C&D race last time but a bad mistake at the ninth may have scuppered his chance; could bounce back.
Last ran off this low a mark in spring 2022; Plumpton second (2m4f, good) last April reads well but he has been well beaten more often than not over the last two seasons.
Won last May/June (2m/2m4f, good) in the first two of his five runs over fences, but it took a three-runner race for him to score again three weeks ago (Doncaster 2m, good) and he still threw in a blunder even then; in this company, others are a bit more persuasive.
1/5 Odds Place 1,2,3
( Pool guide displayed could change before the race starts & should be used as a guide only )
