Preference is for RANGATIRA JACK, who made his breakthrough with a dominant display at Exeter three weeks ago and is open to more progress over fences. Recent Wincanton winner Abingworth is feared most ahead of Kayce Dutton, who has finished runner-up in four of his last five starts. The other one on the shortlist is Davidoc, who still has potential in this sphere and could be dangerous back up in trip.[David Moon]
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Added to his point win when landing a maiden hurdle (2m4f, good to soft) last April but he didn't progress in that sphere and was a remote fifth on chase debut at Uttoxeter (3m, good) last month; mark continues to fall and this drop back in trip could suit but others are more persuasive.
Usually comes from off the pace; won twice over fences (2m4f/2m3f) on good ground last spring but he's not made an impact since October, including after wind surgery in last two runs; now goes back up in trip but he needs to rediscover his spark.
Has a patchy record but he got back on the scoresheet when justifying favouritism at Wincanton (2m4f, good) last month; up 9lb but he ran right up to his best with that eased-down success and this return to forecast slower ground is no problem; key player.
Raised his form to a new level with a dominant display at Exeter (2m3f, soft) in January but he's been disappointing in three subsequent runs and was beaten 58l back at Exeter last time; down the list.
Point (3m, soft) and hurdle (2m, good) winner; 0-4 over fences but was runner-up off 4lb higher at Southwell (2m4f) in November and he ran into a major improver when third at Fontwell (2m2f) last month; still has potential in this sphere and he's in the mix back up in trip.
Two hurdle wins (2m-2m1f) on slow ground for Olly Murphy in 2023, but she's not seen much action since and was pulled up in two runs (point/handicap chase) during the winter; still unexposed in this sphere but she needs a major revival with cheekpieces added.
Act on good and soft ground and seems versatile trip-wise; hurdle winner who is 0-6 over fences but he's finished runner-up in four of his last five runs including at Stratford (2m3f, good) last month; nudged up 2lb but he was clear of the third last time and he's respected.
Off the mark (13th attempt) when justifying favouritism with an all-the-way win at Exeter (2m3f, good) three weeks ago; up 7lb but he never really looked in any serious danger last time and is open to more progress over fences; respected.
Three-time cross-country chase winner in France in 2021 and a hurdle winner for Dan Skelton in spring 2023; returned from long absence for new stable this winter and he's been pulled up in three of his four runs including over fences at Stratford 11 days ago; opposable.
Lightly raced 9yo; ran respectably when third at Wincanton (2m4f, good) last month but was 9l behind Abingworth in that race and he's 2lb out of the weights this time; has some work to do.
1/5 Odds Place 1,2,3
( Pool guide displayed could change before the race starts & should be used as a guide only )
