Preference is for INTO BATTLE, who has a highly notable piece of C&D form from 12 months ago and whose reappearance effort can be marked up. Second choice is Azahara Palace who, like the selection, shaped well despite meeting traffic issues at Haydock 20 days ago. Yokohama ties in with Into Battle and solid contender Sweet Reward, while Burrito is an interesting type and several others also have possibilities.[Steve Boow]
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Ex-French 4yo who has shaped well at Lingfield (1m2f, AW) in last two British starts, close fourth when favourite for Vase contest on Good Friday latest; frame possibilities off same mark returned to turf.
Fairly consistent and is capable of being involved off current mark; however, lacks recent match practice (off since November) and hasn't won for over three years; not the percentage call.
Raced twice in his first season last year, winning at Newmarket (1m2f, good) then beaten favourite at Chester where the slower ground perhaps wasn't ideal; gelded since; has a good pedigree, represents major yard and remains open to progress; interesting handicap debutant.
Disappointing at Newbury in latest hurdles attempt; however, scored over C&D (heavy) last October, taking record in Flat turf events to 3-8, and may improve further in this sphere; has won on good to firm.
Ended his 2024 campaign with a hat-trick, scoring narrowly at Southwell (1m2f, AW) the final time and taking overall record to 4-11; this progressive sort is effective on turf and one to consider.
Form figures read 1222, all at about 1m on AW; good second in Southwell handicap most recently; gives the impression he'll stay this new trip; likely player off same mark, assuming he transfers ability to turf.
Came up short at Doncaster (1m2f) last time, failing to transfer the form of his two winter AW wins back to turf; faces another competitive field and has something to prove.
Exposed 5yo who has a much better strike-rate on AW than on turf and returns to this sphere off a difficult mark; has lacked consistency this year; opposed.
The oldest contender in this field but retains plenty of ability and beat Yokohama in C&D contest (good) on seasonal debut; has a sound record in this race (second in 2023, fourth in 2024); solid claims.
Campaigned mostly on AW; won his first two races (for previous yard) but 0-6 since and finished behind Kind Of Kiss on Good Friday most recently; less convincing than others.
Has shown steadily progressive form (421) this term for new yard, winning at Windsor (1m2f, good to firm) most recently; however, campaigned largely in lower grades and now goes into deeper waters.
Regular slow-starter but that hasn't stopped him from completing a quickfire four-timer (1m2f/1m4f) this spring, looking better than ever; gained last two wins in comfortable style at Bath and Leicester; has to be feared in current form, even with a double penalty.
Good fifth in the London Gold Cup over C&D a year ago, on the back of maiden/novice wins; no further progress since but ran very encouragingly when favourite at Haydock (1m2f, good) on reappearance, finishing a close fourth despite traffic issues; respected off unaltered mark.
Four-time 1m winner; has form figures of 323 since upped to 1m2f, most recently an unlucky third when favourite at Haydock (1m2f, good; would likely have won with a clearer run) on seasonal debut; that latest effort makes her a similar type to Into Battle; one for the shortlist.
Record of 0-12 since debut success but is threatening to put that right, having finished a close second at Newbury and Haydock since being gelded; ties in with Sweet Reward and Into Battle on those efforts; possibilities off bottom weight.
1/5 Odds Place 1,2,3,4
( Pool guide displayed could change before the race starts & should be used as a guide only )
