Low-mileage 8yo TOP OF THE BAY came good with a wide-margin win at Carlisle a fortnight ago and is taken to overcome a 7lb rise. Am Still Here was placed here on his final hurdling start and is of interest on his chasing debut. 2023 winner Ribeye is next on the list.[Chris Wilson]
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Started off for Sam England with two seconds at Newcastle (2m4f, good) in March/April and was seemingly boosted by the refitted cheekpieces when scoring by over 8l at Carlisle (2m5f, good) a fortnight ago; must be considered in current form.
Disappointed in a series final two starts ago and was behind Pure Surf and Top Of The Bay when third of four at Newcastle (2m4f, good) last time but he's more reliable than some of these and it's worth remembering he won this race in 2023.
Irish raider; yet to add to his two hurdle wins in 2021 and well beaten three consecutive times since respectable fifth of 16 over fences at Listowel (2m3f, soft to heavy) in September; considered only if lively in betting.
Two wins last season, the latter over C&D (good to soft) in March; not discredited when out of the weights here later that month and will be fine on today's ground but may find others better handicapped.
Ex-Irish maiden who struggled to get competitive in two handicap hurdles for Sam England during the winter (2m/2m3f); makes chasing debut after 103-day absence; stable has much more obvious chance with Top Of The Bay.
Held on well to beat Top Of The Bay and Ribeye under Pippa Brown at Newcastle (2m4f, good) last month and ran at least as well when close second at Sedgefield (2m3f, good) six days later but Kelso 11 days ago was a bit disappointing and, on balance, others look stronger.
0-9 over hurdles but ran well in defeat in first-time cheekpieces here (2m, good to soft) in March; moves back up in trip for this chasing debut and has possibilities if he takes well to fences.
Second to Ribeye off much higher mark in this race two years ago but generally very disappointing since; absent since pulled up over C&D in October and needs to have been refreshed by seven-month break.
Opened hurdling account in 16-runner handicap at Newcastle (2m4f, good) in December but his two chasing attempts there in March were very unconvincing and he's a risky option.
Won C&D (good) novice handicap chase just under two years ago but returned from long absence with three underwhelming hurdle/chase runs towards end of last season and needs to prove he retains ability; 2lb wrong today.
1/5 Odds Place 1,2,3
( Pool guide displayed could change before the race starts & should be used as a guide only )