There are lots of unexposed types in this interesting race. Kempton winner Footwork is respected on his reappearance, while Marbush could resume his progress on this drop back in trip and Cavolo Nero looks interesting on his step up to 1m. Handicap newcomers Virtue Patience and British Blue need watching in the market but it might be worth siding with David O'Meara's CRIMINAL SHORE. He started his handicap career with a brave success at Ripon last month, where he finished well to reel in Last Shamardal who had won two in a row before that.[David Moon]
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Made it third-time lucky when landing a Kempton novice (1m) last August; had an excuse on heavy ground in final start last season and he shaped as though he needed his reappearance run at Wolverhampton (9.4f; first run since gelded) last month; this is only his second handicap and he could resume his progress back in trip.
Won on Southwell debut (7f) in January; good second over same C&D next time and he took another step forward when runner-up on handicap debut at Newmarket (7f, good) last month; nudged up 2lb but he was clear of the third last time and he's open to more progress at this new trip; respected.
Made his debut in February and has already done well, winning a 6f novice and 7f handicap on the AW before a near-miss behind Criminal Shore at Ripon (1m, good) last month; up another 4lb but he should be in the thick of things again.
Reached the frame in his first four runs before scoring under another positive ride in Kempton nursery (7f, AW) in October; up 4lb but he showed a good attitude last time and he should have more to offer at this new trip; needs close look on return.
Returned from a break with a near-miss at Wolverhampton (8.6f handicap) last month but he had some trouble round the bend (hung badly right) on his return visit last month; that took his record to 0-6 and others are more persuasive.
Well held in three qualifying runs since December, with his best effort a 5l third at Kempton (1m) on his second start; still early days but opening mark looks on the high side and he needs improvement on this switch to turf; has been gelded and blinkers are added.
Improved form upped in trip on handicap debut when finishing well to deny Last Shamardal at Ripon (1m, good) last month; up 5lb but he knuckled down well for that success and could continue on the upgrade in handicaps; shortlisted.
Made a good start with her narrow win at Kempton (7f, AW) in October and she was thrown in at the deep end in Fred Darling (Group 3) on her return last month; this is more realistic on handicap debut and she needs watching in market.
Made her breakthrough (sixth attempt) with an emphatic win at Haydock (7f, heavy) in October and he went close at Newcastle (1m, AW) in final run last year; resumes off same mark but this is tougher than last time and he's the most exposed runner in the line-up; others preferred.
Off the mark at the third attempt when justifying favouritism on his Lingfield reappearance (7f, AW) in March; now switches to a competitive handicap but opening mark looks fair and this step up to 1m should be no problem on pedigree; one to keep an eye on.
Six-race maiden who has not finished closer than 5l to a winner including in three handicaps (7f-1m); continues to edge down the weights but he has work to do in this tough contest.
1/5 Odds Place 1,2,3
( Pool guide displayed could change before the race starts & should be used as a guide only )
