Pretty good cases can be made for most of these but the selection is habitual front-runner SAINT SEGAL, who has performed commendably well in some competitive handicaps since his Newbury win in December. Light N Strike will not be favoured by rain but he ran well at Ascot three weeks ago, despite looking unsuited by that right-handed track, and remains well handicapped. Western General is in superb form at the moment and must also be considered.[Chris Wilson]
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Returned to peak form when dominating from the front at Newbury (2m4f, good to soft) in December and has been placed on all three starts since; still on a workable mark and can make another bold bid.
Thriving 7yo who cruised clear to win by 22l at Hereford (2m, good) last month, his third success this season; 10lb higher in a deeper race, but will be fine over the longer trip and needs to be taken very seriously in current mood.
Well below best form this season, but came second off much-reduced mark at Newcastle (2m4f, good to soft) in February and ran well for a long way when sixth of 30 over the big Aintree fences (2m5f, good to soft) this month; enters calculations.
Suited by the return to good ground when very respectable third of five at Ascot (2m1f, good; jumped left on occasions) three weeks ago; needs to build on that performance but remains on a good mark and ought to be better suited by this left-handed track.
Best known for his heroics at Newbury but is also suited by this track; very well handicapped on old form for Fergal O'Brien but, following a long absence, has not shown a great deal for his owner-trainer this season, including when back at Newbury last month; revival needed.
Rewarded very positive ride and caused 33-1 surprise at Wetherby (2m3f, soft) in February but was not quite in the same form when dropped back to 2m1f at Kelso last month; may need some rain here and others appeal more.
Slightly disappointing at Kempton last month but has generally remained in good form since winning off 1lb lower there (2m2f, good) in October; considered each-way.
Largely consistent 7yo who was runner-up three consecutive times after his Wincanton win (2m4f, good) in November; slightly below form when dropped back to 2m at Newbury last month but this move back up in trip will suit and his current mark is workable.
Rebounded from poor performance and went down fighting when second at Uttoxeter (2m4f, good to soft) last month; up in grade and 2lb higher but ran very well over C&D on both previous visits to Chepstow, more notably when winning by 3l on good ground a year ago.
1/5 Odds Place 1,2,3
( Pool guide displayed could change before the race starts & should be used as a guide only )
