An open race in which several have something to recommend them. Kap Ouest, Strong Foundations and Noble Park all remain open to improvement over hurdles, while another to consider is the class-dropping Bowenspark. However, the vote goes to HIGHLANDS LEGACY whose stable has a fine recent record in this race.[David Bellingham]
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Won three times over hurdles in 2021 but was pulled up on all three starts in 2022 (one over fences); ran very well back from nearly two years off when second of seven finishers at Uttoxeter (2m4f, good to soft) in October, but a step backwards at Lingfield (2m4f, soft) in December; not quite sure what to expect; stable also runs Dominic's Fault; non-runner.
Successful at Leicester (2m, heavy) early last year and at Lingfield (2m, soft) in December and was still going well when brought down three out at Sandown (2m4f, soft) in January; shouldn't have a problem with the return to further; drying ground may pose a question, but he's promising; non-runner.
Off the mark in a maiden hurdles Exeter (2m1f, good to soft; 4-7) in December, but blundered his rider away mid-race on handicap debut at Newbury eight days ago; still open to improvement upped in trip and one for the shortlist.
Dual bumper winner who was highly tried after winning over hurdles at Stratford (2m, soft) in November 2023; probably ran better than it looked when sixth of 12 in an open handicap at Ascot (2m3f, good) in January; has undergone wind surgery since last seen and worth a second look down in grade.
Made a successful return to hurdles at Fakenham (2m4f, good to soft) in January, but pulled up at Sandown (2m4f, soft) later in month; needs to bounce back for last year's winning stable.
Runner-up in his next two starts (including on handicap debut) after bolting up at Southwell (2m, heavy) in April last year, but some less-than-fluent jumping cost him at Wetherby (2m4f, soft) last month; a player if cutting out the errors this time for stable that has won three of the last five runnings.
Won at Doncaster (2m3f, good to soft) and Aintree (2m4f, good) in the first-half of last year; best effort since returning in November when third of 14 at Hungtingdon (2m5f, soft) in January; still 5lb above her last winning mark but considered, especially if the ground continues to dry out.
Not disgraced in two of her last three starts as when fourth of eight at Chepstow (3m, soft) four weeks ago, but this trip on drying ground may be an insufficient test for her now and she looks vulnerable to younger rivals.
Won his first two starts after joining this yard, at Stratford (2m, good to firm) last August and at Bangor (2m1f, good) the following month; last two efforts (since wind surgery) on soft ground can be forgiven and not handicapped out of things, but he still needs to prove his stamina for this sort of trip.
Made a successful hurdles debut here (2m, good) in October but out of his depth in a Grade 2 at Cheltenham later in month; better effort when third of 14 behind a promising sort at Hereford (2m, good to soft) in December and worth keeping an eye on upped in trip for handicap debut after a short break.
Made it 14th-time lucky under rules with a powerful front-running display at Wincanton (2m4f, heavy) in January, winning by 12l; rider's 10lb claim useful in view of his 11lb higher mark, but whether things will work out so favourably this time remains to be seen.
Didn't show much in his early starts but better when second of four at Sandown (2m, heavy) last month (winner has since followed up in a non-event); bred to appreciate the longer trip on handicap debut and makes the shortlist.
Won three times in the summer of 2023, twice on the Flat and on hurdles debut at Fontwell (2m2f, good); has run well in two starts on good to soft ground (2m/2m1f) since returning from a long absence in December; still unexposed over hurdles and his best Flat form suggests he should stay this far.
1-2 in points and 1-1 in bumpers, but 0-5 over hurdles; fair third of nine at Wincanton (3m1f, soft) last month (winner has gone in again since), but needs a bit more with cheekpieces given a go.
Infrequent winner under both codes, but made the perfect return from wind surgery when successful at Southwell (2m4f, good to soft) last month; 8lb rise asks more of him, even though he has been rated 16lb higher in the past.
1/5 Odds Place 1,2,3,4
( Pool guide displayed could change before the race starts & should be used as a guide only )
