The Grey Man won on last month's handicap debut and may still have potential but the suggestion is RISK D'ARGENT, who was the only one to give the progressive winner any sort of race when third over C&D on his seasonal debut and remains well handicapped on older form. The Grafter and Bellbird also make the shortlist.[Chris Wilson]
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Career highlight when finishing well from a long way off the pace to cause 40-1 surprise at last season's Aintree festival (2m, soft); probably flattered by the way that race panned out, though, and returned from layoff with two disappointing 2m4f runs this winter; usual hood left off.
Low-mileage 6yo who came second in his first two handicaps, latterly at Haydock (1m7f, soft) just after Christmas; open to improvement if last month's wind op proves successful; one to consider.
Nine jumps wins (three over C&D); not firing on all cylinders since returning from a break in October but last month's modest fourth behind The Grey Man at Leicester (1m7f, heavy) was a step back in the right direction and he's too well handicapped to rule out.
Kept on well to win in first-time cheekpieces here (2m3f, soft) in December but was a disappointing joint-favourite at Uttoxeter (2m4f) last month and it's hard to tell whether combination of drop back in trip and first-time blinkers will get the best out of him today.
Unexposed 6yo who held on to make winning handicap debut at Leicester (1m7f, heavy) last month; recent 4lb rise does not look excessive and Bradley Harris claims a useful 3lb; open to further progress; respected.
2-14 over hurdles, the latter win gained in Plumpton novice (2m, good to soft) in October; not obviously well treated off current mark, though, and far too inconsistent to rely upon.
Just 1-13 over hurdles but was arguably second best on merit when third behind short-odds winner over C&D (soft) on seasonal debut in December and remains on a good mark; might be the answer.
Unexposed mare who displayed promise in bumpers last season and in her three qualifying races over hurdles towards the end of 2024 (2m-2m5f); no surprise if she features on this handicap debut.
Won 3m hurdle off much higher mark in 2022 but has looked out of sorts since returned to racing under rules in November (three runs; 2m3f-3m1f); drops back to 2m here; considered only if lively in the betting.
Ex-French maiden; soundly beaten in three British handicap hurdles this season (2m-2m5f) but there is still hope Venetia Williams will find the key to him soon.
Below form at Kelso in December but came second on three of her four previous outings (once over C&D) and can pose a potent threat if the addition of cheekpieces has a positive effect today.
Getting long on the tooth now and returned from a break with two low-key runs towards the end of last year; now only 1lb above last spring's winning mark but younger rivals have less to prove.
1/4 Odds Place 1,2,3
( Pool guide displayed could change before the race starts & should be used as a guide only )
