The trickiest one to weigh up is the veteran Baron De Midleton (second choice), who dropped out of contention tamely at Newcastle last month but will be far too good for this field if somewhere near the form he showed when second twice over longer trips last summer. Matchless probably won't be far away but JUBILEE GOLD ought to be suited by this stiff 2m on good or faster ground and is arguably the safest option.[Chris Wilson]
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Gained two of his five hurdling wins over C&D and seems versatile regarding ground; not firing on all cylinders in handicaps this year, though, and will need to up his game today.
Regressive and inconsistent 12yo who was pulled up last month, after a break (breathing issue reported); however, he proved a significant chunk of ability remains when close second in quite valuable Kelso handicap (2m5f, good) last September and will be hard to beat here if somewhere near that form.
Chase and dual hurdle winner for Olly Murphy during 2023-24 season but pulled up in four consecutive points in December-March and also in 1m7f chase when back under rules here last month; too much to prove.
Four-time hurdle winner with some fairly useful form on his CV; well below best when making the frame in plating company on last two appearances (1m7f/2m2f, good) but still considered here.
Pulled up on heavy ground in February, after a break, but made the frame in handicaps at Plumpton (2m, good) and Taunton (2m3f, good to firm) last month; ought to play another big role here.
0-20 over hurdles and absent since October but was pretty consistent on good ground in early part of last season, including a close second over C&D when fresh; no surprise if he features.
Ex-Irish 6yo with 0-28 strike-rate under all codes; only fourth best on merit when modest second in Sedgefield novice (2m1f, good) on latest hurdling start in March; swaps cheekpieces for first-time visor here; others look stronger.
Fair on the Flat and over hurdles in his prime but finished last on the Flat on last month's stable debut and suffered same fate, albeit not beaten that far, when back over hurdles at Carlisle (2m3f, good) a fortnight ago; current ability hard to gauge.
0-7 over hurdles; made the frame off lowly mark in modest mares' handicap at Carlisle (2m1f, heavy) in March 2023 but absent since a poor performance a few weeks later.
1/5 Odds Place 1,2,3
( Pool guide displayed could change before the race starts & should be used as a guide only )
