All things considered, it was a terrific run by Our Champ (second choice) at Plumpton three weeks ago but he does like to get on with things and he's not the only one in this field. It might just set up for one ridden colder and ANYHARMINASKING (nap) looked back to his old self (he once had a 9lb higher mark than this) when breezing home on good ground at Newcastle five weeks ago. Like the selection, Bareback Jack is back in the good books after impressing last time, while Dance And Glance and She's A Saint can also run well.[Alistair Jones]
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Has won both races since the tongue-tie joined cheekpieces, latterly making all for a narrow success over C&D three weeks ago (good); a 5lb rise isn't the end of the world but dominating this bigger field with likely pressure up front could be challenging.
Loaded with experience in strong handicaps; won last year's Sussex Champion and, returning to Plumpton off a 13lb higher mark for the same race 20 days ago, he ran another cracker in forcing the pace before left behind by two Willie Mullins raiders; Haydock will suit his style provided he doesn't get too competitive too far out; shortlisted.
Stays 3m so always needs a strong pace to chase at this trip, which was the case when winning so well in a big field at the Aintree Grand National meeting (good); never threatened at Plumpton latest but again ran well in keeping on for fifth (behind Our Champ); could well arrive late on the scene to play a part in the finish.
Prominent racer who raised her profile last season and, after getting outpaced, she was coming back at the leaders when a close third in the Scottish Champion Hurdle at Ayr (good to soft); there's a suspicion that something similar might happen here on drying ground but she's a likeable mare.
Winning for the first time since the 2022 Betfair Hurdle when digging deep to edge out Helnwein at Chepstow two weeks ago (2m, good); will do well to defy a 4lb rise in this deeper race but he'll give it his best shot; cheekpieces added.
Continued a good run of form when a length winner of the Scottish County Hurdle at Musselburgh and was only just behind Ooh Betty in the Scottish Champion at Ayr (again on good to soft; fine on good); on the top of his game and this sharp test won't faze him.
Back over hurdles for his last two runs after going 0-4 over fences; appreciated the return to 2m when pushing Glory And Fortune all the way at Chepstow last time (2m, good); might be a shade high in the weights to win this.
Headed to Newcastle five weeks ago with a lot to prove but he was strong in the betting and had no trouble in brushing aside his four rivals (2m1f, good; cheekpieces returned); back up 4lb but he had dropped to a handy mark before that and this good ground could be the key to him.
Better known as a chaser these days but last season was a good one in that discipline and he was by no means disgraced in the always-strong Red Rum at Aintree; 5lb lower for this return to hurdling.
Won three on the bounce before fourth in a Grade 2 during his novice days; very low key on his first two runs back after an absence but then won comfortably under an enterprising ride at Bangor (2m, good to soft) 16 days ago when tongue tied for the first time, beating Dance And Glance; back up 6lb but may have turned a corner and he looked classy in his younger days.
Flat/hurdle winner; returned from a long absence to bustle up Ooh Betty at Kempton over Christmas and has continued to run well, last time going down by half a length at Cheltenham (2m1f, good); might just lack a telling finishing kick on this flat track.
Looks handicapped about right on the balance of his form and he couldn't reel in Goblet Of Fire at Hereford (2m, good) recently; perhaps placed at best if he's lucky.
Six-time Flat winner and it was his third success over hurdles when doing it fairly comfortably at Hereford (2m, good) recently after a break; whether he's up to this class is another matter and he's 5lb higher.
Progressive 6yo from a strong yard but this is much tougher than the Warwick race he won in February (2m3f, soft) and today's ground will be the driest he's encountered; still commands some respect.
Lightly raced and has won a bumper and two hurdle races; runner-up on handicap debut at Bangor (good to soft) when Bareback Jack got away from him; he wouldn't be exposed just yet and Harry Cobden is a positive booking.
Long absences are a feature in this 9yo's profile; kept on for fourth of 16 at Cheltenham (2m1f, good) on latest start, finishing just over 3l behind Big Boy Bobby; looks vulnerable off an untouched mark.
1/5 Odds Place 1,2,3,4,5
( Pool guide displayed could change before the race starts & should be used as a guide only )
