The most interesting one is arguably YGGDRASIL, who drops back in trip after travelling strongly for a long way over 2m4f at Wincanton last month. That was his first start since June 2023 and he has become very well handicapped. First Angel (second choice) has a similar profile, having also shaped well when returning from a layoff last month, while Davidoc is a contender if able to bounce back from his disappointing run in November.[Chris Wilson]
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Needs to rebound from a disappointing run in November but was in good form beforehand, including when second on chasing debut at Southwell (2m4f, good) two starts ago; can cope with today's drop back in trip; big player if back on song.
Took step back in right direction when keeping on for very respectable third at Ludlow (2m, good to soft) last month but there are no guarantees this regressive 11yo will build on that performance today.
Three-time chase winner (2m3f-2m4f); returned from long absence with very encouraging run at Wincanton (2m4f, good to soft; first-time tongue-tie) last month, travelling strongly before weakening in the home straight; will presumably be ridden positively over this shorter trip and could be very dangerous if that recent outing did him good.
Dual chase winner on good ground in early part of last season and, following a long absence, ran well for a long way at Doncaster (2m, good to soft) last month; back down to a good mark and goes on the shortlist.
Behind Fast Buck when a fading fourth at Ludlow (2m, good to soft) last month but arguably emerges from that race with greater credit, having suffered some misfortune; current mark is workable and he won over hurdles on his only previous visit to Taunton; impossible to rule out.
