Dan Skelton's STROLLING ALONG has not shown a great deal over hurdles since his promising bumper debut in December and his tendency to race too freely remains a worry, but he ought to have some improvement to come in handicaps and is given the vote. Klapton Boy, another handicap debutant, was ahead of the selection on his latest outing and is second choice. Jaxonne, Bells Of Ufford, Rip Wheeler and Casting Aspersions also get a mention.[Chris Wilson]
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Kept on well for second on recent handicap debut at Chepstow (2m3f, good); that race did not competitive beforehand, but it was run in a good time for the grade and this fellow is only 1lb higher; considered.
Soundly beaten when dropped back to 2m for last month's handicap debut at Hereford (good); might be better suited by today's longer distance but others in the line-up have much more obvious claims.
Placed on Irish point debut a year ago and on both hurdling starts this season, more recently when third of ten at Wetherby (2m3f, soft) in February; does not look harshly treated for this handicap debut and should be fine on the faster ground.
Safely held when fourth of seven on handicap debut at Sandown (2m, soft) in February, but will appreciate today's ease in grade and it's possible the different trip-and-ground combination will show him in a better light.
Off the mark over hurdles with clearcut success at Worcester (2m7f, good) last summer, but was out of form when last seen in September and has fitness to prove.
Safely held in three maiden/novice hurdles (2m-2m3f) since quite promising debut in soft-ground Carlisle bumper in December, but represents a top stable and may fare better in handicaps; tongue-tie fitted.
Just 1-11 over hurdles but looked back in good nick at Wincanton (2m4f, good) last month, coming from off the pace to finish second; won't be far away if in similar form.
Managed only sixth of seven (albeit not beaten that far) when upped to 2m4f for last month's handicap debut at Southwell (good; first-time hood); needs to learn to settle better.
Made all at Southwell (2m4f, good) in December (first-time tongue-tie/cheekpieces) and returns to hurdling after good third on recent Flat handicap debut (no headgear); not very reliable but has a chance if on a going day.
Not seen over hurdles since pulled up on handicap debut for Stuart Edmunds in January 2024; placed off basement Flat mark for new stable in January this year but not in same form since; not the most obvious answer.
Unseated rider in a chase on last month's stable debut and now 0-10 under all codes, but Fergal O'Brien may yet find the key to him; market reference recommended before this handicap hurdle debut.
Belied 100-1 odds when close third at Southwell (2m4f, good) in November, his third handicap, but we haven't seen him again since and some of the others have more compelling profiles.
Returned from break with pretty good fourth here (2m3f, good to soft) in February, but was well beaten on both outings last month (3m1f/2m3f) and needs a big boost from the first-time blinkers.
Pulled up in first two handicaps (hurdle/chase); returned from break with more encouraging run last month (2m4f hurdle; first-time hood) but needs to take another big step forward.
Kept on for respectable third here (2m3f, good to soft) on handicap hurdle debut in February and is effectively 2lb lower, but suffered heavy defeat on the Flat this month and is not on the shortlist today.
1/5 Odds Place 1,2,3,4
( Pool guide displayed could change before the race starts & should be used as a guide only )
