Neil Mulholland's IKE SPORT ran well in two competitive handicaps (one over C&D) last month and gets the verdict in this easier race. Rambo T, Aucunrisque and Fingal's Hill are also in good form but well-handicapped mare Arclight took a big step back in the right direction on her latest outing and is feared most.[Chris Wilson]
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Won a small-field chase in the autumn but posted his career-best performance when back over hurdles last month, keeping on strongly from off the pace to lead close home at Perth (2m4f, good to soft); also suited by good ground; likely contender.
Not quite as good as he was but still a useful performer; second off today's mark on latest hurdling start at Newbury (2m, good to soft) in March and also ran well when third in Sussex Champion Chase at Plumpton (2m1f, good) last month; well worth another crack at 2m4f; probably won't be far away.
Caused 66-1 shock in this race for Harriet Dickin in 2024 (good ground) and looked in even better nick when easy winner at Kempton (2m5f, good) for Olly Murphy in November; needs to up his game after some quiet runs this year, though, and stablemate Rambo T has much less to prove.
Failed to win last season but was very respectable fifth of 20 over C&D (good to soft; first run in today's headgear combination) in hot handicap at last month's Grand National meeting and again ran well when fourth at Sandown (2m4f, good) three weeks ago; good chance.
Made all to score by 6l at Newcastle (2m4f, good) in March, his sixth hurdle win, and probably bettered that performance when close second at Kelso (2m5f, good) last month; could be vulnerable after latest 2lb nudge but, on the other hand, may not face much competition for the lead here.
Looked out of sorts on all three appearances in 2024 but, following a break, steadied the ship with respectable sixth of 16 at Cheltenham (2m1f, good) last month; it's hard to tell whether she'll build on that performance here but she remains well handicapped and will be fine over the longer trip.
1/4 Odds Place 1,2
( Pool guide displayed could change before the race starts & should be used as a guide only )