Riaan was a commendable second at the Punchestown festival and needs to be taken very seriously but last year's game winner STATUARIO (nap) chased home a next-time-out winner when second over C&D in April and, still on a workable mark, he can defend his crown. Annsam and Hang In There tie in with the selection on C&D form and also make the shortlist.[Chris Wilson]
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Close second to Statuario in this race a year ago (good to firm) before landing a big prize at Uttoxeter (3m2f, good to soft); yet to replicate that form since returning in March from a break but last month's Newton Abbot fourth (2m5f, good) was respectable and he's back down to a good mark.
Not beaten far at Cheltenham Festival in March and a very creditable second of 14 in Grade 3 handicap at Punchestown (2m4f, yielding) the following month; yet to convince stamina-wise over 3m but still commands respect.
Pulled up last month, after a break, and never looked dangerous when fifth in 2m3f veterans' chase a fortnight ago; will be suited by today's move back up in trip but needs to get back in the groove.
Won small-field Kempton chase (3m, good) by a wide margin in April and is now 4-9 over fences; current mark probably demands a career-best performance but he ought to make his presence felt.
Unable to recapture his peak form since returning in the autumn from a long absence but ran well before fading into third (just behind Statuario) over C&D (3m, good to soft) in April and is another 1lb lower today.
Four-time course winner, most recently when digging deep to pip Hang In There in this race a year ago (good to firm); 2lb higher this time but proved his wellbeing with a good second over C&D six weeks ago; big player.
Arrives in career-best form, having won good-ground marathons at Fakenham (3m5f) and Stratford (3m3f) last month; moves up in grade and drops back in trip; can't be ruled out in current mood.
Seven-time hurdle winner (2m6f-3m1f, good/good to soft); seems to have taken fairly well to fences but his two 3m Ludlow seconds came in tiny fields and he remains on a career-high mark; tongue-tie added.
1/5 Odds Place 1,2,3
( Pool guide displayed could change before the race starts & should be used as a guide only )
