This looks very open. BIG BOY BOBBY probably faced mission impossible last time when second to a well-backed 4yo and he was clear of the rest. Mary could put up a bold show off her feather weight and others to bear in mind are King William Rufus and Norman Fletcher, both of whom are downgraded. Arclight would need respecting should market vibes bode well.[Alistair Jones]
Watch Live UK & Irish Racing
Simply place a bet of £5 or more on
any UK or Irish race to watch the action live!
It's all gone a bit pear-shaped since winning a small-field handicap hurdle earlier in the season (2m, good) and he ran no race on chase debut last time out; perhaps best watched until hinting at a revival.
Respected on his early-season form and didn't run too badly in last month's County Hurdle, going down by under 8l after coming under early pressure; in more suitable company this time.
Won a handicap and two Listed races (2m1f/2m4f) when sent over fences early last season; this campaign hasn't started so well, pulling up in that discipline on her return and then very laboured back over hurdles at Ludlow in December; the ability is there to threaten off this mark if she can stage a revival.
In competitive form when signing off for previous Irish yard but he was weak in the betting on his debut for this one and ran accordingly in a Class 3 at Newbury.
Off since December but mostly consistent and has finished bang there in two of his three runs for Fergal O'Brien who won this race last year; dropping back from 2m3f doesn't look too big an issue.
Only sixth in this 12 months ago and has regressed since landing a notable prize at Market Rasen last summer July; could be better for a break but others are safer.
Ascot winner in December off 7lb lower (1m7f, good to soft); this represents a welcome drop in grade after contesting two high-profile handicaps and he's not out of it.
Flat/hurdle winner; runner-up in both his starts following a long absence, beaten by last weekend's Scottish Champion Hurdle third Ooh Betty the first time and then at Newcastle he was clear of the rest behind a 4yo winner who was well handicapped and well backed; solid claims.
Possibly coped best with the soft ground when coming clear in a novice for mares at Lingfield in February (2m); has come up short in handicaps on either side of that and this looks no easier.
Raised in grade after dominating single-figure fields at Ludlow (good to soft) and Fontwell (good), making most on both occasions; a collective rise of 17lb (Freddie Keighley claimed the 10lb last time) could spell danger but hard to dismiss.
Back from yet another lengthy absence when comfortably beaten by Continuance at Fontwell; has a pull in the weights with the winner and might strip fitter here.
In modest form over hurdles before a successful return to fences at Ayr in January (2m, soft), since when he's twice been beaten 13l in the same discipline; wouldn't be the percentage play here.
Usually front-runs; has fallen in both her chase runs this season (clear when falling at the last on first attempt) and has been off since the latest in December; capable hurdler off this mark and could go well off a feather weight.
1/5 Odds Place 1,2,3,4,5
( Pool guide displayed could change before the race starts & should be used as a guide only )