Gower Prince (second choice) was probably unlucky not to win at Chepstow last month but there could still be a lot more to come from lightly raced 7yo BASELINE (nap), who launched his chasing career with a good second at Warwick in March. Jet Of Dreams might be a shade vulnerable after his latest 4lb rise but he did very well over fences last season and probably won't be far away.[Chris Wilson]
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Won a chase off today's mark at Ayr (2m, soft) in January and didn't run badly in competitive Cheltenham handicap hurdle on latest outing three weeks ago; well beaten the only previous time he wore cheekpieces (in 2023) but is versatile regarding ground and can make his presence felt.
Very lightly raced 7yo who kept on well for second on chasing debut at Wetherby (1m7f, good) in March; probably still has untapped potential and needs to be taken very seriously here.
Won four chases during productive campaign last season; raised another 4lb since last month's Chepstow success (2m, good) and today's race looks more competitive but further progress is possible.
Won for Nigel Twiston-Davies at Wincanton (1m7f, good) just over a year ago and, having rejoined Matt Sheppard, was in front before last-fence fall at Chepstow (2m, good) last month; has to take a 4lb rise on the chin but still features prominently in calculations.
Looked quite promising over hurdles during 2023-24 season but was well beaten in both chases last term and is now 0-10 under all codes; can't be written off just yet but others in the field have considerably less to prove.
Gained four of his seven chase wins over this C&D, the latest by 11l in November; will be suited by today's ground but was pulled up here on last two appearances (2m/2m3f) and can't be supported with much confidence after those efforts.
In fairly good form over hurdles when last in action but this chasing debut comes after a 432-day absence, and he may find 2m on good ground an inadequate stamina test.
Had combined 0-12 record over hurdles for his two previous trainers, often harming his chance by racing far too freely; changed hands for £7,000 after respectable maiden second in March and now makes his stable/chase debut; on a good mark but others look less risky.
1/5 Odds Place 1,2,3
( Pool guide displayed could change before the race starts & should be used as a guide only )
