The shortlist includes Smart Vision (second choice) whose reappearance run should have blown away the cobwebs, Oriental Prince whose Musselburgh fourth showed he's just as effective on turf as AW, and the recent clearcut Yarmouth scorer Dorney Lake. However, KODI LION (nap) made a really encouraging return at Thirsk and is taken to strike on his second outing for Mick Appleby. An unexposed 4yo, he should be well suited by today's drop back in distance.[Richard O'Brien]
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Not as good as he was but he still won at Yarmouth (6f, good to firm; eyeshields first time) last autumn; might have needed the run at Newmarket on reappearance; encounters optimum conditions here and not ruled out.
Revitalised when returned to 7f+ last autumn, winning three times including here; however, he was only tenth of 13 at Thirsk (16-1) on reappearance and may again be vulnerable off the same mark.
Seven-time winner whose most recent success came over 7f here last June; gave the impression the run was needed when fifth of seven at Southwell five weeks ago; at least as effective at 6f and should be spot-on today, with cheekpieces fitted for just the second time.
All wins have come at 6f on sound surface; posted personal best on stable debut three weeks ago, quickening well to score in clearcut fashion at Yarmouth; may still be unexposed and 6lb rise does not look insurmountable.
Won four times (5f/6f) for Craig Lidster, most recently at Wolverhampton towards the end of last year; has been gelded since last seen; not discounted with new trainer among the winners; worth a market check.
Progressive for Charlie Fellowes last year, winning twice, and made an encouraging reappearance when sixth of 13 at Thirsk (7f, good; raced freely, lost three places inside final 1f) two weeks ago; dropping back in distance looks a sensible move and he still has untapped potential; big chance.
In and out during recent AW campaign but latest ninth of 13 at Newcastle was much better than it looks on paper (repeatedly met trouble); dangerous if returning to best but yet to show he's as effective on grass.
Hardy veteran who notched four wins last season, the last of them in clearcut style at Catterick (6f, soft; just as effective on good) in October; however, he's come on for his reappearance in the last few seasons and may be best watched after six months off.
Front-runner who scored three times in 2024; all those wins came over 7f but he seems just as effective at 6f and he has a good record here; shaped well over an inadequate 5f at Beverley on reappearance and that run should have blown away the cobwebs; not fully exposed and should go well.
Lightly raced 4yo; won maiden at Newcastle (5f, AW) in January 2024 when trained by Kevin Ryan and made satisfactory start for current stable when second in novice at Nottingham (6f, good) last spring; ran as if amiss on handicap debut next time but has had 11 months off and retains potential.
Has a record of 6-9 since wearing a hood; the wins have come on the AW but he showed he's just as effective on turf with creditable fourth of eight at Musselburgh two weeks ago; 7f might have stretched his stamina that day and he's a big player returned to sprint distances.
1/5 Odds Place 1,2,3
( Pool guide displayed could change before the race starts & should be used as a guide only )
