Cases can be made for several of these. Lively Citizen looked in excellent nick when winning off today's mark over fences last week but preference is for IT'S A LOVE THING, who has been back in very good form on the Flat lately and is still unexposed over hurdles. Book Of Tales bumped into a very well handicapped rival when second at Huntingdon last month and is next on the list, ahead of class-dropper Ravenscraig Castle.[Chris Wilson]
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Not very consistent nowadays but comfortably drew clear to win recent Ffos Las chase (2m, good; refitted cheekpieces) under Toby McCain-Mitchell and reverts to hurdling on the same mark here; must be considered.
Scored at Market Rasen (2m, good) in September and bumped into a big improver when second over 2m2f there the following month but has fitness to prove after seven-month break.
Doubled hurdling tally with clearcut win at Bangor (2m, good) last month and was placed off today's mark there (good to soft) a few days later; Sean Bowen takes the ride today; likely contender again.
Largely consistent 7yo who has performed well in stronger races than this on all four appearances this year; on a workable and versatile regarding ground; can make his presence felt.
Well beaten when upped to 2m5f in March (raced too freely) but fared much better when clear second to very well handicapped rival at Huntingdon (2m, good) last month; still lightly raced over hurdles; shortlisted.
Signed off for Donald McCain with Bangor maiden win (2m, good) in May 2023 but, following a long absence, dropped out very tamely on recent stable/handicap debut there; may yet come good for Fergal O'Brien but seems to have issues with his breathing, and others look much less risky.
Won twice over about 2m in early part of last season (good to soft/good) and gave very good account when fifth in Grade 2 mares' novices' handicap at Newbury (2m4f, good) in March; eased in grade; a possible.
Maiden hurdle winner in October 2023; not seen over hurdles since pulled-up favourite on handicap debut the following month but has collected three Flat wins in recent weeks and could still have untapped potential in this sphere; interesting.
Low-mileage 4yo; caused 28-1 surprise at Doncaster (2m, good to soft; flights in home straight omitted) in March, his second hurdling success, but was well beaten last month and is not an easy one to predict.
Battled on gamely to open account in Class 5 handicap at Huntingdon (2m, good to soft; first-time cheekpieces) in February, her seventh hurdle run, but was well below that form last time; others preferred.
Fairly useful Flat racer who was placed on stable/hurdle debut at Musselburgh (1m7f, good to soft) in February; below that form twice since but remains open to improvement on this handicap hurdle debut, and the switch to good ground ought to suit.
Bounced back from very disappointing reappearance run to win readily by 5l at Hereford (2m, good) last month, opening his hurdles account at the eighth attempt; 7lb higher in a much deeper race but further progress is possible.
1/5 Odds Place 1,2,3,4
( Pool guide displayed could change before the race starts & should be used as a guide only )
