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| Mohayer | Decent on his day and ran well behind Five Dream at Cheltenham. Has enough of a pull in the weights to suggest he can turn the tables. However, he is becoming hard to win with and the handicapper appears to have his measure as far as winning is concerned. | 155
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| Five Dream | Improving all the time and has now won two competitive handicaps on the trot. One pundit informed me four-year-olds have a poor record in the race. Since 1998, I cannot see one having ever competed! French bred horses, in general, are more mature than their counterparts in the UK and Ireland are. Five Dream has to be considered as holding a live chance in a race that is sure to be run to suit his style of running. He won round Auteuil, which is a left-handed, almost flat track with long sweeping bends. Newbury has a similar profile. | 155
|
| Mephisto | His FSF has not been achieved for sometime; following a pleasing reappearance in the Fighting Fifth, he has not been seen since. Hard to fancy on recent evidence. | 153
|
| Caracciola | This has apparently been the plan for a long time and Nicky Henderson is a master at bringing horses back from a long break. He was fourth last season and is now on a 1lb lower mark. Caracciola’s flat form suggests he is holding his form well, despite being eleven-year-old. He has every chance of reaching the frame again and went well in a gallop the other day. | 152
|
| Whispered Promises | Ran well on his seasonal debut when third to Five Dream at Cheltenham. He also has a weight pull; however, I feel Five Dream has more to offer and looked, to my eyes, to be idling in front. | 149
|
| Wingman | Has a reasonable chance on his third to Ring The Boss at Sandown Park. A collateral form line suggests he is much the same horse as Five Dream, though he may not have the same scope for improvement. | 149
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| Roman Villa | Running consistently but now finds himself 1lb higher since his last win. He should run well again, but may find the business end too tough. | 148
|
| Victram | Sixth last season and runs off a 4lb lower mark. Having reviewed the video of last season’s race, I feel he did not receive the best of rides; he has the look of a horse laid out for the race. With an Imperial Cup Handicap already on his C.V. Victram looks to have an excellent chance of another payday. His claiming rider is competent and 7lb off his back will do his prospects no harm. | 148
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| King's Revenge | Consistent and has an improving profile. One of many tied in with similar form lines and should arrive fresh and well after a break. | 148
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| Kings Quay | Loves a flat track and runs well fresh. May just be in the handicappers grip | 147
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| Gabier | Overall form suggests he will struggle to make an impact in this company. | 147
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| Fleet Street | Useful hurdler but well beaten over fences last time. Likely to be tapped for toe and looks a better horse when he is fresh. | 147
|
| Pigeon Island | Admirable performer that runs consistently in decent races. Will enjoy the likely fast pace and not without a squeak. | 146
|
| Palomar | Fast improving horse. He still looks quirky and the collateral form of his wins is nothing to write home about. However, he has a touch of class and if things go his way, he could defy a potentially lenient mark. | 145
|
| Blue Bajan | Potentially the best horse in the race and the apple of Graham Lee and Andy Turnell’s eyes. Still inexperienced, he has an excellent turn of foot and jumps well; if he arrives on the scene at the last having had a trouble free run he will be hard to beat. Entered in the Champion Hurdle on Graham Lee’s advice and trainer knows what is required to win the race. | 144
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| Missis Potts | Consistent but looks held at the weights. | 144
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| Platin Grounds | More needed, though he looks an improving type. Ran well against Sizing Europe at Cheltenham in November and good ground appears to suit him. Not suited by the slow pace in the novice hurdle won by Calgary Bay at the same course in December; goes well fresh. | 144
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| County Zen | Won his novice hurdles in game fashion. Needs to step up again and may be at his best when he faces fences. | 143
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| Jayo | Ran an eye-catching race in the Pierse Hurdle. Held up at the back he made headway but was never able to get into the race. Handicapper has not taken any chances but appeals as the type to have more to offer. | 143
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| Punjabi | Class horse of the race; has a competent claimer taking 7lb off and cannot be completely discounted, on a track that should suit. Made a fair reappearance at Kempton Park and reported to have worked well in the run up to the race. | 143
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| Pace Shot | At his best, he would have a squeak; however, he does not look the force of old. | 142
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| Dancers Serenade | Won easily at Kempton Park and may be better than his rating suggests. He clearly has ability, though this will be his first time he has competed in a race run at fast as this is likely to be. | 140
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| Streets Of Gold | Unlucky to be disqualified last time and handicapper appears to have him under control. | 139
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| Doctor David | Ran away from modest opposition at Haydock, but this looks a much hotter race. | 139
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