The unbeaten handicap debutant ROSSCAHILL (nap) could be all the rage, with this longer trip likely to suit him down to the ground. Both his hurdles races, in which he ended well on top, were at this track. One Big Bang looks the most solid candidate to follow him home, but Mahland might prove vastly more competitive than on his reappearance and Alan De Banks is a second unexposed handicap newcomer.[Richard Austen]
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Pulled-up favourite over fences in October (first run for 315 days) and beaten nearly 30l at Aintree in November (first hurdle race since 2021); both those were on good ground, whereas best 2023 runs were on soft (fine on good before that); down the weights in first-time cheekpieces.
Nearly all wins on soft, one on heavy; third at Bangor on penultimate start seemed encouraging but he dropped right out at Sandown (near 3m, heavy) on latest; last won in March 2023 and others now look more solid.
Won last spring on first two starts for this yard and running well this season, fourth of nine at Cheltenham (3m, soft; acts on heavy) ten days ago; should not be far away if first-time headgear has no adverse effect.
Six wins over about 2m7f-3m in a long campaign last term, including one over C&D and career-best form at Chepstow for final win (heavy); tailed off this term on hurdle reappearance (50-1 at Cheltenham) and 29l ninth in the Welsh National on a tough return to chasing 15 days ago; 6lb above last winning mark, it might take a bit longer before he returns to winning form.
Progressed well last season, signing off with a 4l win from the front off 6lb lower over this C&D (soft); tailed off on reappearance four weeks ago but this second-season hurdler could bounce back to resume his improvement.
Won on Irish point debut (soft to heavy) in December 2023; hot favourite when scoring over hurdles at this track in a maiden (2m6f, good to soft) in October and a novice (2m4f, heavy) last month, doing so with a major rally last time which strengthens the impression that he is very much a staying prospect; highly interesting therefore over 3m on this handicap debut.
First-time cheekpieces (kept since) when winning easily at Wincanton (3m, heavy) last March; ran creditably on reappearance but needs to bounce back from a disappointing show at Chepstow 15 days ago.
Usually partnered by Isabel Williams and ran creditably on sole start under Eleanor Williams; won last February (hurdle race) and October (chase) and ran creditably on latest outing; also effective over C&D in the mud but she's 2lb out of the weights proper and looks vulnerable for win purposes.
First past the post in two Newton Abbot bumpers (good/soft) last summer; gave encouragement when well held taking minor honours over about 2m4f here and at Bangor in his two races over hurdles; upped in trip for this handicap debut and could find improvement, which he does need.
1/5 Odds Place 1,2,3
( Pool guide displayed could change before the race starts & should be used as a guide only )
