This is a tricky choice, with clear negatives and/or areas of significant uncertainty about all of the field. HEBRIDEAN NOMAD has never raced on turf and there have been mixed signals about whether he will stay this trip, but he's clearly the most lightly raced runner and might just emerge on top. Alternatively, Currumbin (second choice) could carry over his AW success to turf, or it could be time for Diamond Bay to win for the first time in a while. There are others who need a close look as well.[Richard Austen]
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His last win was in 2023 and he was mostly well below form last year, but he's now 5lb lower than on his latest turf start; a form case can be made, including based on his C&D third last September; shortlisted.
Won 1m4f/1m6f handicaps in Ireland last summer and consistent form afterwards; left Johnny Murtagh for 52,000gns and has joined another good yard but he was last of 14 at Chelmsford (1m6f; 8-1) two weeks ago on AW debut; headgear (he ran creditably in some on three occasions in Ireland) returns.
Won for the first time on the Flat when bolting up from the front in an amateur riders' event at Newbury (1m4f, heavy) last October; 2m4f winner on good ground over hurdles early last month but below form back on Flat (1m4f, good to firm) nine days later and he's unraced beyond 1m4f on Flat.
Has won here, albeit in 2020; returned to the Flat with two encouraging runs on AW (1m3f/2m) in January/February, making late headway from well off the pace; has to be considered, even though there would be much more to prove on good to firm ground.
Five wins last May-August, all over about 1m4f on turf; out of form on last two outings and more to prove at 1m6f (notwithstanding her second at Nottingham last July) but has a good first-time-out record.
A dual 1m2f scorer on turf last summer and good second over 1m4f at Kempton (AW) 17 days ago; new trip may now be worth a go, despite pedigree, and he's relatively lightly raced.
Three AW wins (1m2f-2m) in 2023; missed nearly all of last year, with two creditable efforts on return but not quite so good in his two starts since; this should be a competitive mark but he's run only twice on turf and did not make a serious impact.
Stepped up in distance this winter and it's borne fruit, getting off the mark in a 1m6f handicap at Southwell in December and winning a 2m handicap at Chelmsford in February; he went badly off the boil on turf last year (about 1m) but should be more interesting over this trip.
1m AW win as 2yo; missed most of 2024 but not far away in four of his five handicaps since; favourite when upped 1m6f and 2m for last two outings but appeared not to see it out; the latter was still a respectable effort, which gives him a shout if he's as effective on this turf debut.
Signs that he was finding his level again in two 1m6f races last August/September and his fortunes revived when switched to hurdles for two races in November, winning a 2m2f novice at Fontwell when last seen; not dismissed on this return.
1/5 Odds Place 1,2,3
( Pool guide displayed could change before the race starts & should be used as a guide only )
