Can't Beat History (second choice) might still be on the upgrade and is respected, while Imperial Alex returned to form with a good effort three weeks ago and Ganapathi ought to find this a bit easier than his latest assignment. However, the one with most potential is Gordon Elliott's lightly raced mare HARDY DIAMOND, who moves up in trip after finishing second in a 2m4f beginners' chase last month.[Chris Wilson]
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Weakened rather tamely in closing stages of Kelso hurdle last month but battled well to pip Ganapathi in a chase there (2m7f, good) in April and is only 2lb higher here; also effective on right-handed tracks (course winner over hurdles); a possible.
Suffered dip in form after last spring's slow-ground hat-trick but looked back in good nick when second at Uttoxeter (3m, good) last month, having been messed about by a loose horse, and any rain here will aid him.
Very useful staying handicap chaser in his prime but was pulled up five consecutive times during the 2023-24 season and it takes a big leap of faith to support him on this first appearance since April 2024.
Runner-up three times in a row in February-April, including in a quite valuable series final at Carlisle (2m4f, good) and when losing out only narrowly to Half Shot at Kelso (2m7f, good); subsequent 22l defeat over C&D came in a stronger race than this; one to consider.
Four-time C&D winner; returned from a break with very poor hurdle run here last month and can't be supported confidently after that, but reverts to fences on a good mark and won't mind what the weather does.
Largely consistent in early part of last season and went very close at Kelso (2m4f, good) in April, after a break; slightly disappointing when dropped back to 2m here last month but has possibilities if this much longer trip suits (unraced beyond about 2m4f under rules).
Progressive 9yo who returned from a break with small-field win at Warwick (3m1f, good) in April and also ran well when second to a course specialist at Market Rasen (3m, good) last month; significant rain will dent his appeal here but otherwise he may still have more improvement to come.
Low-mileage mare who returned from six-month break with pretty good second of 13 in Kilbeggan beginners' chase (2m4f, good) in May, shaping very much as though this longer trip might suit; must be considered.
Runner-up in three points this year and won four-runner hunter chase by 12l over C&D (good) when back under rules last month; evidently in decent nick but faces much stronger opposition in this handicap.
Returned from a break with two disappointing C&D runs this spring, but is now very well handicapped on C&D form shown around this time last year and produced a bold show up front to be second at Hexham yesterday.
1/5 Odds Place 1,2,3
( Pool guide displayed could change before the race starts & should be used as a guide only )
