Reliable as a hurdler and runner-up over C&D in his only chase, MISTER BARCLAY looks the one to turn to. The Irish challenger Danny The Fence beat 15 of his 18 rivals at Fairyhouse last time and is feared most, ahead of Ronnies Reflection who scored at Leicester over Christmas.[Richard Austen]
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Competitive first two efforts this season over 2m7f and 3m5f; however, a lesser show last month made it 0-14 over fences and there's not been a win since a novice hurdle in 2021.
Ran well almost every time in handicap hurdles and runner-up over C&D last May on his only chase start, despite needing to improve his jumping; overall improvement might be required on return to chasing but it may well be possible.
Sent chasing over 3m+ for last four starts, beaten a nose on first occasion and good second with first-time headgear at Catterick on latest; that requires respect but worse than good to soft ground would be a worry.
Cheekpieces have been installed this season, with a good second at Southwell (2m4f, good) on first occasion but she was not in quite the same form on soft ground on either start since; stamina to prove after one attempt at 3m (last March) and improvement is needed on this chase debut.
One of two declared by his Irish trainer for this meeting; first-time blinkers were added to tongue-tie when he shot back to some form in fourth of 19 for handicap chase at Fairyhouse (3m2f, soft) two weeks ago; could still do with brushing up his jumping but he looks of renewed interest, particularly given last season's better form over hurdles.
Lost his form for Harry Fry and, following wind surgery, beaten about 20l when fourth in his two runs for new yard; wore cheekpieces for those last two starts; down the weights but needs a major revival.
Had two wind operations last year; sent handicap chasing since and vastly more competitive on two of those three starts, winning at Leicester (extended 2m6f, soft; up 4lb today) on latest; that was encouraging but it's also not forgotten that he ran no race on penultimate start.
Made his handicap debut last March and is now 19lb lower, having been well held when he took minor honours on last three outings; probably stays 3m but arguably needs better than soft ground; tongue-tie and cheekpieces are now given a first go.
Won over hurdles here (2m7f, good to soft) in May 2023 but she's generally struggled since; a career best is probably needed on this chase debut from 2lb out of the handicap.
1/5 Odds Place 1,2,3
( Pool guide displayed could change before the race starts & should be used as a guide only )
