Tempting as it is to trust in James Owen's proven effectiveness at reviving other people's cast-offs, Mr Le Philosophe was more than just a little bit out of form when last seen and others are better known quantities on the forecast good ground. Rukaana (next best) surely won't be as unlucky in the run again and argues an obvious case despite a 4lb re-raise, but he's taken on with CUSANO, value for closer himself in better company last time. [Jeremy Grayson]
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Better for a break and wind surgery when a keeping-on 10l second in a Plumpton 0-110 latest (2m, good; hampered last); doesn't get the longer trip that performance hinted may suit, but down in grade and mark unchanged.
Serviceable efforts in Polytrack handicaps since last seen over hurdles in December, and initial mark looks plausible judged on the form of his Plumpton debut effort (2m, good to soft); no forlorn hope.
Most affirmative statement since his Nicky Henderson days when 3l second at Uttoxeter latest (2m, good); needs hood debuted there to work at least as well again, having been re-raised 2lb for not winning.
Gradual progression of last autumn has come to something of a halt since, and remains to be seen whether a rough race at Kempton latest (hampered and short of room early, eventually fell) has been got over.
2l second at Market Rasen latest (2m1.5f, good) could have been so much better but for significant hampering on the turn in; live chance if blinkers debuted there work for him again, though 4lb re-raise isn't ideal.
Beaten at least 34l when consenting to jump off over hurdles, often refusing to settle; couldn't put maximum faith in him, even before factoring in a mark which looks stiff even judged on his peak bumper efforts.
Went badly the wrong way for Rebecca Menzies following the initial promise of his Catterick hurdles debut fourth (2m, soft), on which form effort he's on a fair mark; respected debuting for a yard that can revive one, with all headgear left off; pulled too hard on sole run on good.
No improvement for the return to assertive tactics on her final two outings last summer, beaten 25l in each; 5lb out of the weights on this return to action and not easily recommended.
1/4 Odds Place 1,2
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