In-form 7yo YES DAY did not prove he's a thorough stayer when beating Planned Paradise in a falsely run 3m6f contest at Exeter last month but, on the other hand, he could still have significant untapped potential over marathon trips. He is taken to complete a hat-trick and may again be chased home by Planned Paradise. Last-time-out winners Regarde and Ask Brewster also make the shortlist.[Chris Wilson]
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Very well handicapped on old form but has been pulled up on six of his eight starts over the last two years, most recently in last month's Grimthorpe at Doncaster (a race he won in 2022); sports first-time tongue-tie and swaps visor for refitted cheekpieces here; revival needed.
In career-best form last month, winning quite stylishly at Hereford (3m1f, good) and Exeter (3m6f, good to firm); still unexposed over marathon trips and won't mind if there's rain about here; must be considered.
Scored by 8l on seasonal/chase debut at Carlisle (3m2f, good to soft) in October and was placed over 3m on next two outings; finished very weakly when upped to 3m5f at Warwick last month, which is a concern, but could plausibly still have untapped potential over marathon trips.
No threat to front pair when third in recent Ulster National (a race she won last year) at Downpatrick (3m4f, good) but that was still a pretty good effort and she remains on a workable mark; considered each-way.
Returned to form with hurdle win at Uttoxeter (2m7f, good) last month and is now 2-8 in that sphere; set a daunting task on this chasing debut but has some pointing experience to call upon and is evidently in good nick.
Six-time chase winner over 3m; began season with respectable second behind revitalised opponent at Aintree (3m1f, good) in October and should be fine stamina-wise today but his last three runs were disappointing.
Bounced back to form last month, winning on good ground at Doncaster (3m) and Warwick (3m5f), but ran abject race at Ascot 17 days ago and it's hard to predict whether he'll be in the right mood here.
Ended 2024 with a poor run but, following wind surgery, bounced back to win four-runner race at Haydock (3m4f, good) last month; recent 3lb rise does not look excessive and he could have more to offer over this sort of trip.
Seemingly aided by cheekpieces on his last two starts in the autumn, latterly when winning easily by 15l at Uttoxeter (3m2f, good); contender if he hits the ground running after subsequent five-month break.
Proved he retains ability when commendable third from out of the weights in cross-country chase here (3m5f, good) in November but his subsequent form in orthodox handicap chases is not compelling.
Useful a few years ago and versatile regarding ground but was pulled up on both appearances last season and also when reappearing in December; sports first-time blinkers here; huge leap of faith required to support him.
Recorded 25-1 win at Windsor (3m4f, soft) in January and made the frame on both subsequent outings, more recently when second of four behind Yes Day at Exeter (3m6f, good to firm) last month; suited by this track and still on a workable mark; high on the list.
Has very mixed record since switched to fences this season but doubled his win tally when comfortably drawing over 9l clear at Chepstow (2m7f, good) last month; 9lb higher in a much deeper race here but still looks interesting on first attempt at a marathon trip.
Long in the tooth now and no longer the force of old; exploited some considerable help from the handicapper when winning at Haydock (3m4f, soft) just after Christmas but was well beaten next time (albeit on heavy ground) and younger rivals have much more appealing profiles.
Kept on for very respectable fifth from out of the weights at Fontwell (2m3f, good) last month but is effectively another 9lb higher here and needs this first venture beyond 3m to enable considerable improvement.
1/5 Odds Place 1,2,3,4
( Pool guide displayed could change before the race starts & should be used as a guide only )
