Our Lil (second choice) should find this much easier than at Cheltenham last time and should go well, as should Basman Palace with the return to this trip likely to suit. Hey Mister Dj is likely to figure if building on his promising stable debut at Fontwell last month, but IVANE (nap) has been reinvigorated by the switch to the James Owen stable and can carry on the good work.[David Bellingham]
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Has run well in four starts over hurdles/fences since joining this yard in March (2123), the latest when third of seven finishers over hurdles at Bangor (2m4f, good to soft) 19 days ago; wouldn't have a problem were the ground to ease and a major player.
Won a novice hurdle at Doncaster (2m1f, good; first start since wind surgery) in March, but faced a stiff task from 9lb out of the weights on handicap debut at Cheltenham (2m1f, good) last month; wouldn't want the ground to ease too much, but respected otherwise.
Won twice for Matt Sheppard (1m7f/2m, good to soft) in the winter of 2023-24, but held since including in four starts for this yard; finished about 4l behind Ivane when fifth of seven finishers at Bangor (2m4f, good to soft; first-time tongue-tie) 19 days ago; needs a bit more.
Off the mark at the 13th attempt under rules at Wincanton (2m4f, good) in March, but finished a well-held fourth of seven at Taunton (3m, good to firm) last month; return to this trip should suit and one for the shortlist.
Dual winner over hurdles in France, but has failed to complete in seven of his nine starts over hurdles/fences since joining this yard; tongue-tie given a go but a leap of faith is still required.
0-8 under rules, but was returning from over a year off when second of nine on stable debut at Fontwell (2m2f, good) last month; the longer trip looks to be in his favour and a contender if taking a step forward.
1lb lower than when second of six at Sedgefield (2m1f, good to soft) last October, but well held on last month's return over the same C&D (good) and is now 0-26 under rules; others more convincing.
