Bhaloo (second choice) ideally needs to jump straighter and Matterhorn has a bit to prove back up in distance but they are respected on other counts, while Heltenham and Light N Strike are back up the weights but they arrive in great form. With those runners not totally bombproof, VINTAGE FIZZ is an interesting alternative back down in trip and he may be able to regain the winning thread.[Steve Boow]
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Chase career commenced with a four-timer last spring/summer; subsequently lost his form until running well, beating all bar a similarly useful stablemate, in major handicap at Plumpton (2m1f, good) last time; possibilities, provided he's as effective back up in trip.
Record of 6-17 over fences; easily justified favouritism in Class 2 contest at Perth (2m4f, good to soft) most recently, building on penultimate effort and looking better than ever; shortlist material even though he's back on career-high mark.
Absent since a heavy defeat in the Grand National on debut for new yard; competitively treated on the pick of his form for Willie Mullins but needs to prove he's still capable of showing it; admittedly this drop back in trip/class is a plus.
Record of 5-16 (also placed several times) over fences; produced form figures of 321 in last three runs, justifying favouritism in Class 2 event at Newton Abbot (2m5f, good; won going way) latest; back up the weights but looks solid.
Only 1-12 over fences when with Willie Mullins but ran well (second off 2lb higher) in the 2024 Thyestes; not in anything like the same form since and sold for 16,000gns since last run; expectations may be reflected in the market signals.
Henderson runner whose record of 2-5 over fences features a Class 2 win at Newbury (2m4f, good) in March; creditable third in Grade 2 handicap at Cheltenham (2m5f) since, despite again tending to jump right; this in-form and comparatively unexposed 7yo commands respect.
Veteran who is stablemate of Heltenham; has gained most wins on soft ground, the latest in February; failed to show his form when belatedly returned to good going last time and chance may partly depend on what the weather does.
No win since September 2023 but the form of his last three attempts at about 2m4f is respectable, creditable third in Class 2 at Ayr the final time; non-stayer over 3m in the Staffordshire Plate here most recently; one to consider, back down in distance.
1/5 Odds Place 1,2,3
( Pool guide displayed could change before the race starts & should be used as a guide only )
