The Mullins bandwagon may mop up this race too in his challenge for the trainers' championship, as it did with a 1-7 shot last year, but some caution about the chance of his More Coko seems warranted after his defeat when 1-8 at Plumpton. There are changes with the trip and equipment today, and hopefully there will be no repeat of his major jumping error, but the Mullins horse might still find that conceding 19lb to the C&D winner BRENDAS ASKING is a tricky task. Don't Mind If I Do is also in the mix and has overall potential but he was withdrawn once last month when the ground was good.[Richard Austen]
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Won his bumper and his first two starts over hurdles, latterly when sauntering to success at Carlisle (2m1f, soft) in February; a bad mistake played a part when he was comprehensively turned over at 1-8 at Plumpton (2m4f, good) last month but he's now also back down in trip and has a hood; Mullins challenger from Ireland who needs plenty of respect.
Easily obliged when 1-5 at Wincanton (1m7f, good to soft) in December and showed better form when placed on starts either side; his jumping wasn't great on heavy last time (third at 8-15) but he was withdrawn when the ground was officially good at Newbury last month; big form player.
Showed significant ability in his two bumpers and on hurdling debut, before turning over a red-hot favourite in three-runner maiden hurdle at Exeter (2m, good) five weeks ago; his jumping was better last time but he still looked green; can improve but much better is needed against some of these.
Third in Irish point in January 2024; towards rear in two bumpers and beaten 47l when 40-1 at Ffos Las (2m, good to soft) on hurdles debut, so best watched for now.
Won on the Flat at Corlay (1m7f, soft) in France last June on his second run and changed hands for 21,000euros last July; made reappearance in maiden hurdle at Wetherby (2m, good) last month and faded to go down by 37l at 66-1, so this looks tough.
Ten hurdle races, winning a C&D handicap (good) in October under Nathan Andrews who today rides her for first time since; apparent best form when fifth in a Grade 2 for her sex at Ascot in January, but she hung right and eventually tailed off (after making the running) when 200-1 in the mares' novice at Cheltenham Festival; big player judged on her better efforts.
