The drop back in trip and possible settling effect of the first-time hood could be positives for the lightly raced 5yo KITZBUHEL, who earns the vote for Willie Mullins and Paul Townend. The return to better ground should help Blueking d'Oroux and he is second choice ahead of Lucky Place, who has won two Grade 2s this season.[Ben Hutton]
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Below best the last twice (particularly last time) and finished held in fourth in this last year; however, today's race may not be as hot and the return to better ground is a likely plus; 1l runner-up to Lucky Place in good-ground Grade 2 at Ascot last November and now 6lb better off; chance.
Posted handicap hat-trick at the end of last season and was better than ever when comfortably landing a Grade 2 at Haydock (3m, good to soft) this February; a case can be made on that form but he was tailed off in a Grade 1 at Aintree (3m, good) just three weeks ago and needs to bounce back.
Lightly raced 6yo who has improved this season, with Grade 2 wins at Ascot (2m3f, good) and Cheltenham (2m4f, soft); soundly beaten in the Stayers' Hurdle at Cheltenham (3m, good to soft) last month, but drops back down in trip/grade today and he's a leading player if back to his best.
Made it 2-2 for Willie Mullins in Grade 3 at Gowran Park (2m, soft) in February; 15l fifth when upped markedly in trip in Grade 1 Liverpool Hurdle (3m, good) three weeks ago, but this headstrong 5yo could benefit from today's first-time hood and drop back in trip; could play a major role.
5yo who has been running creditably in defeat this season and was in the mix in the Grade 2 Relkeel Hurdle at Cheltenham (2m4f, soft) in January when falling at the final flight; effective on good to soft (unproven on good); could be in the mix if handling conditions.
Won Grade 2 mares' hurdle at Ascot (1m7f, good) in January and she's been a creditable third to easy winner Lossiemouth at Cheltenham (2m4f, good to soft) and Aintree (2m4f, good to soft) the last twice; could give another good account now against males but a career-best is required.
1/4 Odds Place 1,2
( Pool guide displayed could change before the race starts & should be used as a guide only )