This looks tricky. The 2022 winner Gilbertina makes the shortlist, as do recent course winner Homme d'Un Soir and Salley Gardens following his fine recent return from a mammoth absence. The unexposed Inishnabro is open to improvement now handicapping and upped in trip, but the vote goes to BELVEDERE BLAST who signalled a return to form last time and is 6lb below his last winning mark.[David Bellingham]
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Had been shaping in this visor as though he was ready to strike again and he duly did so here (2m1f, good to soft) three weeks ago on his return from six months off; this return to further shouldn't be an issue and he's a player from 3lb higher.
Has a good record fresh but still ran a blinder to go down by less than a length at Leicester (2m, good to soft) last month considering he had been off for 515 days; now 4lb higher but this sort of trip probably suits him even better, so high on the list.
Dual course winner from 5lb lower, including this race two years ago; only just beaten back here (2m5f, good) six weeks ago on her return from six months off and the form of that race has worked out very well; shortlisted.
Ludlow maiden hurdle winner (2m, soft) in February but patchy form in handicaps and yet to prove he stays this far, having fallen before his stamina was tested at Huntingdon (2m5f, soft) this month; stable also runs Cawthorne Banker.
Inconsistent after winning an Irish bumper and a Musselburgh maiden hurdle in his first two starts; has proved regressive (including on chase debut) since narrowly beaten off 4lb higher here (2m1f, good) in June; needs to bounce back.
Dual course winner (2m1f) who had lost his way but he got much closer again when third of eight at Wetherby (2m, soft) 19 days ago and the winner has scored twice since; 6lb lower than when winning at Hexham (2m4f, good) in June; interesting.
1-2 in Irish points and makes his handicap debut after showing ability in maiden hurdles here (2m1f, good) and at Southwell (2m, good to soft); the longer trip should suit and he remains open to plenty of improvement.
Two hurdle wins in the spring and back off the same mark as when successful at Fontwell (2m2f, good) in May; recent efforts raise doubts as to whether he can take advantage, though.
1/4 Odds Place 1,2
( Pool guide displayed could change before the race starts & should be used as a guide only )
