Last year's winner MASKED DANCE returned to form with a pretty good second at Huntingdon last week and, still on a good mark, she is taken to defend her crown. Ile De Jersey has dropped 2lb since her very respectable sixth in a competitive Cheltenham series final last month and is feared most. Recent Ludlow winner Versace Twentyone is not yet fully exposed and also makes the shortlist.[Chris Wilson]
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Lightly raced in recent years but returned from long layoff with two very respectable runs towards end of last season, latterly when sixth of 16 in valuable series final at Cheltenham (2m4f, good); in calmer waters here and needs to be taken very seriously.
Creditable second in Warwick Listed race (2m5f, soft) in February and should be fine on the quicker ground here but two lesser efforts in handicaps have followed and she needs a boost from the new cheekpieces.
Seven-time hurdle winner, most recently when clinging on by a nose in busy finish at Uttoxeter (2m4f, good) last summer; probably not suited by the slower ground when below that form in September but absent since and remains on a fairly tough mark.
1-6 over hurdles for Gordon Elliott in Ireland; chased home useful rival in Clonmel handicap (2m4f, good) in October but was sold for £7,500 soon afterwards and has fitness to prove on this stable debut; tongue-tie added.
Has rather mixed record since clearcut success in this race a year ago (good ground) but kept on well for second at Huntingdon (2m3f, good) last week and remains on a good mark; high on the list.
Runner-up off today's mark at Ludlow (2m5f, good to soft) in February and subsequent Cheltenham eighth (just behind Ile De Jersey) was perfectly respectable but she's not quite as good as she was and some of her younger rivals appeal more.
Placed over hurdles and fences last summer; absent since below-par run in October but resumes on a workable mark and with conditions suitable; market may guide.
Ran quite well when fourth behind Masked Dance in this race a year ago and is 10lb lower now but has become far too inconsistent to rely upon; pulled up over C&D on latest hurdling start (Boxing Day) and safely held in a chase a few weeks later; needs 112-day break to have done her good.
Irish bumper winner who came good over hurdles at sixth attempt, keeping on well to beat 12 rivals at Ludlow (2m5f, good to soft) last month; moves up in grade today but will be suited by the quicker ground and might still have more to offer.
1/5 Odds Place 1,2,3
( Pool guide displayed could change before the race starts & should be used as a guide only )
