He wasn't an instant success for Harry Derham but, with headgear added, PRIDE OF PARIS (nap) ran well in defeat at Uttoxeter last month and has plenty of scope to build on that performance. He gets the vote here. Second choice Unblinking is far too inconsistent to rely upon heavily but he will be suited by today's trip/ground and returns from a break on a good mark. Ballintara was third in a C&D contest 18 days ago and can feature again.[Chris Wilson]
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Gained three of his four chasing wins here and seems very versatile regarding trips but ended last season with two disappointing efforts and needs to be perked up by a change of headgear today.
Safely held when favourite for first two stable starts but battled on well for close second in first-time cheekpieces at Uttoxeter (3m, good; several fences omitted) this month and remains lightly raced over fences; high on the list.
Returned to form to beat three rivals at Taunton (3m4f, good to firm; first-time cheekpieces) last month but was quickly back in the doldrums a fortnight ago (pulled up); not an easy one to predict.
Runner-up in Fakenham hunter chase (3m, good) on rules debut in May 2022 but did not reappear until last season and his first two runs in handicap chases were very disappointing; needs to prove some ability remains.
Inconsistent veteran who was pulled up after jumping poorly on latest outing in February; can't be relied upon but has conditions to suit and is well handicapped.
Made all to end long losing spell at Plumpton (3m1f, good) last month and posted another good effort when third over C&D (good) 18 days ago; obvious contender if in similar form again.
Won on consecutive outings in the autumn (3m1f/2m7f) and is back on a workable mark now but ended last season with two below-par runs (bled from nose on first occasion) and needs to up his game here.
Placed on four of his last five appearances, most recently when keeping-on second over C&D (good) this month; has his limitations but goes well for Benjamin Macey and probably won't be far away.
Kept on well for clear second at Newton Abbot (3m2f, heavy) last month, her second run after a long absence, and will be fine on the faster ground here but was behind a couple of today's rivals when well-held sixth over C&D 18 days ago and, on balance, others appeal more; 1lb out of the weights.
Plugged on for fairly respectable fourth at Newton Abbot (2m5f, heavy) last month but it's over three years since his only win and he's a good way out of the handicap again here.
1/5 Odds Place 1,2,3
( Pool guide displayed could change before the race starts & should be used as a guide only )
