This looks very open. MERISI DIAMOND returned from a similar break to win on this card 12 months ago and, although in deeper waters here, he's shown he can cope with this mark. Apache Outlaw is weighted to reverse recent AW placings with the admirable Big Gossey, though whether he wants ground this soft is highly questionable. Betsen appeals as a horse with more to offer.[Alistair Jones]
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Grand servant who loves it here and returns on the back of competitive shows on the AW (5f-1m); it's never going to be easy off this mark back in a handicap but can never discount.
Eight-time winner but drew a blank last year; has returned to his former trainer and has possibilities off this mark should the new headgear work after a break.
Second in a Listed race last spring and later won a 5f maiden (good) on seventh career start; beaten under 4l in a Group 3 next time (6f) and then ran in a useful conditions race; could have a future off this sort of mark in handicaps.
6f/7f wins on the AW before finishing third of four upped to 1m at Dundalk where he was close up behind Big Gossey off level weights; should be well handicapped off this lower turf mark but soft ground could be troublesome.
Back from a similar break to win a C&D heavy-ground handicap on this card 12 months ago and later in the year won twice at Roscommon (7.5f, soft); has shown that he can live with this mark and go well fresh, so on the shortlist.
Bolted up in a Cork handicap (6f, good to yielding) last October but was then seemingly anchored by an 8lb rise at Naas 11 days later; might be on a tough mark.
Eight-time winner on turf and, given that he's never won on the AW, it was an encouraging run at Dundalk 23 days ago (not far behind Big Gossey on similar terms); trip/ground fine.
Improved last year to win three 6f handicaps and he didn't really get the breaks back over 5f the last time; does have a bit to prove off his current mark, even with a 7lb claimer up top ( different 7lb claimer rode last time).
Only 1-11 but mostly consisent; has done a lot of her racing over 5f on good or faster ground but was second in a 6f maiden in the mud at Limerick; 2lb out of the weights but they claim 7lb; certainly not ruled out.
1/4 Odds Place 1,2,3
( Pool guide displayed could change before the race starts & should be used as a guide only )