He didn't get far at Doncaster last time but FINN LOUGH remains only 3lb higher than when winning a 0-130 contest there two starts ago and may still have more to offer over fences. He gets the vote ahead of C&D specialist Prince Cleni and last year's winner Ali Star Bert.[Chris Wilson]
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Returned from break with narrow win at Stratford (2m6f, soft) in October and is now only 1lb above that mark but his subsequent chase/hurdle form has been underwhelming and he can't be relied upon.
Pulled up soon after bad jumping error at second fence on latest outing but otherwise has a very solid record since switched to fences in September; scored in higher-grade company at Doncaster (3m, good to soft) two starts ago and is a major player here.
Lightly raced 8yo who made pleasing seasonal reappearance when second over hurdles at Ludlow (3m, good to soft) in November; subsequent chasing debut was disappointing but he may yet have a good future over fences.
Five-time point winner; pulled up after contributing to a fast pace on last month's rules return (2m4f) and not an easy horse to weigh up at present but that was his first run for seven months and today's longer trip ought to suit him better.
Returned from long absence with very respectable fourth in Borders National at Kelso (4m, soft) in December but ought to have coped better with the heavy ground when well beaten at Chepstow (3m2f) last month and is evidently not the force of old; others preferred.
Very inconsistent nowadays and needs to rebound from a poor performance on New Year's Eve but won this race off today's mark a year ago (soft ground) and also ran well when second over C&D (good to soft) two starts ago; can't be ruled out.
Gained all three wins over C&D, the latest on New Year's Day (soft); finished well to go close in somewhat unsatisfactory race at Doncaster (3m, good to soft; fences in straight omitted) recently and ought to give another good account on his return to this happy hunting ground.
Seemed to have lost his way last year but proved he retains ability when second at Ludlow (2m4f, good to soft) in December; probably worth another crack at 3m; could have a say.
Won a modest chase at Huntingdon (2m7f, good) last spring and was placed over hurdles in December but has a very mixed record over the last year or so and, on balance, others appeal more here.
1/5 Odds Place 1,2,3
( Pool guide displayed could change before the race starts & should be used as a guide only )
