Plenty of these carry risks but TARLAC may not have reached his ceiling just yet and he gets the verdict after a promising effort last time. Yehudi has a similar profile and is second choice, ahead of Dovey Moon and Miakoda. Pearly Squirrel, Francis Drake and Bantz complete the shortlist.[Richard O'Brien]
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Well held first two starts last year (stiff task on second of them) but showed improvement when third of ten at Beverley (5f, good; wore tongue-strap) on final run, best work late on; subsequently left Craig Lidster (same owners); bred to stay this longer trip and still has untapped potential.
0-4 last term, best effort when fourth of ten at Southwell (6f, AW); improvement required on reappearance/handicap debut and has to prove she handles turf (well beaten sole previous go on grass).
Unplaced all six starts so far but there have been some positive signs, and he came from a long way back when fourth of nine at Newcastle (7f) four weeks ago; falling in the weights and Paul Mulrennan keeps the ride; chance.
Has claims on his third of 13 in a York nursery (6f, good to soft) last summer but he ran poorly both starts afterwards; worth a market check after nearly eight months off.
In frame on four of five outings, all on AW; beaten a short head at Lingfield (7f) in March and might have been unsuited by the drop to 6f next time; possibilities if handling the different surface on turf debut.
One of the few in this field with a win (6f, good to firm) to his name, but three runs since have been poor, including when well beaten at 66-1 on reappearance; needs to be revived by first-time headgear.
Runner-up over 6f/7f at Yarmouth (good to firm) last summer but she has shown little since, last of ten on seasonal debut; requires the first-time blinkers to have a galvanising effect.
Hinted at ability in three novices last term but looked very tricky in handicap at Beverley on reappearance, tailed off after pulling hard and hanging left; perhaps he was unsuited by the right-hand bend but he now has something to prove in a hood and cheekpieces.
First two handicap runs were encouraging but he was well held on his final 2yo outing and fared little better at Wolverhampton three weeks ago; represents a stable in excellent form but carries obvious risks.
Has taken a while to reach concert pitch but ended 2024 with a creditable third and filled the same position at Wolverhampton (7f, AW; best work late on) on reappearance; still unexposed and seems to handle turf; one of the likelier ones.
Much more experienced than most of these; won at Newcastle (7f) in January and the longer trip might have been against him last time (both runs over 1m have been poor); not ruled out if proving as effective on turf (wasn't last season for a different stable).
Unplaced all five starts but that doesn't tell the full story; 5f was inadequate on his final 2yo run and he wasn't beaten far after meeting trouble when fifth at Wolverhampton on reappearance; turf is an unknown (green and well held only previous go) but he has more potential than most of these.
Drew a blank in five 2yo outings but there were signs of ability and she shaped as if this trip would suit when third in Thirsk novice (6f, good to soft) in July; may be an improved performer at three and market support would be significant.
Hasn't convinced with his stamina in two goes over 1m but in between he made all in clearcut style over this trip at Newcastle; only 5lb higher and his rider looks good value for his claim; should be in the thick of things.
1/5 Odds Place 1,2,3,4
( Pool guide displayed could change before the race starts & should be used as a guide only )
