- Loustic Du Chatel won an Ascot bumper back in November and is respected in what looks only a moderate heat. However, he's yet to truly transfer that level of form to hurdles and MYRIGHTHANDMAN is preferred. Tom Lacey's charge was able to build on an encouraging third at Southwell to fill the runner-up spot at Catterick next time and a similar level of performance might suffice. Whilst many others have yet to show an aptitude for hurdling, newcomer Whisky Max wouldn't need to be anything special in order to hit the frame.
- Fountains Blenhein and Step Ahead both came up short under a penalty last time out but although that is unlikely to count against them here, CASPARI might still be too strong. An indifferent round of jumping didn't stop Nicky Henderson's charge from recording a comfortable success at Huntingdon last month and if wiser for that performance, there should be plenty more to come.
- Soft ground wouldn't have been ideal for RUKAANA at Catterick so he lost little in defeat by finishing second, especially because the winner bolted up subsequently. The Dark Angel gelding gets his ideal conditions this time around and whilst Ben Macey helps to negate a 4lb rise, he is expected to take all the beating. Handicap debutant Lucy The Wire can edge out Kotari and claim the silver medal.
- Denemethy has been knocking at the door of late and appeals as one of the likelier winners, but PEP TALKING had excuses at Wincanton last time and might be worth chancing. Billy Aprahamian's charge was on a clear upward curve prior to that effort and it's quite possible that the three-month break will have done him the world of good. My Friend Sean is also noted.
- GUSTAVIAN has performed well for fourth the last twice in better races and has held his form well all season as his comeback success at Wincanton was really impressive. The veteran likes to get on with it and could dominate in this small field. Lumi Plugin will be staying on strongly and should make a race of it, while Annsam could go well if over his Sandown fall.
- HE'S A LATCHICO represents an in-form yard and might not need to improve massively on his latest second at Plumpton in order to strike. It's well worth giving the eight-year-old another chance and he gets the nod ahead of Takeit Easy, who boasts a similar profile coming in here on the back of a solid runner-up effort at Fakenham. Wild Goose is noted too.
- THUNDER ROCK should have no problem in notching another victory at the expense of his sole rival Fix At All. Olly Murphy's charge has done well since switching to hunter chase company and built on a solid Wincanton second when scoring impressively there last time. Fix At All showed a bit more at Catterick latest when third but is still up against it.
- THANKYOUANDPLEASE scored over C&D two starts ago before filling the runner-up spot at Taunton when turned out under a penalty four days later. The drop back in trip should suit Syd Hosie's gelding and this appears to be a good opportunity to get back to winning ways. Homme D'Un Soir is likely to appreciate the return to hurdles after struggling last time at Hereford, while Bigz Belief is respected after going close on the level at Wolverhampton.
- Mr Griffiths' bid to land the hat-trick went wrong when capsizing at Doncaster and the six-year-old now has a 12lb rise to contend with for his wide-margin success the time before at Warwick. At The Oche filled the runner-up spot here over 2m5f but has stamina to prove, so the vote goes to JATILUWIH. The veteran returned from an 11-month absence when third at Taunton last month and that effort should have blown the cobwebs away.
- Stanners Glen showed promise on his hurdling debut when third at Taunton before proving no match for an easy winner at Doncaster. He is expected to be in the mix, but KILNEW SUPREME is preferred. Paul Nicholls' gelding finished runner-up in a bumper here in November and makes plenty of appeal on hurdling debut, especially given his point-to-point form behind Crystal Island. Best Trump was disappointing in a maiden hurdle won by Albert Bartlett hero Johnny's Jury at Exeter, but could step up.
- SANITISER will likely take some stopping here. He is improving rapidly over fences judged on smooth successes at Plumpton and Fontwell and there should be more to come. Sage Green needs to brush up in the jumping department to have a chance but isn't completely overlooked, while Melton Mossy needs to improve a lot from his chasing debut at Chepstow last month.
- Moviddy is the sole C&D winner in here and cannot be overlooked, while Lagonda showed a bit more at Bangor latest and is another to take seriously. They all have TAXUS BACCATA to beat, though, as she saw off a useful form yardstick in Molto Bene when scoring narrowly at Leicester and connections seem to have found her another really winnable opening.
- A chance can be taken on AMBION VIEW, who performed with credit to finish third in a Pertemps Qualifier at Chepstow last month. The seven-year-old had been threatening to get his head in front earlier in the season, and a drop in trip on his second start following a wind operation could work the oracle. Fellow class-dropper Moveit Like Minnie merits plenty of respect, as does Valadon, who steps up in grade after winning at Plumpton.
- Jeremy Scott often does well at this track and, with that in mind, a chance can be taken on NO PANIC. The son of Nathaniel largely struggled in novice/maiden company but he switches to handicaps on the back of wind surgery and it's quite possible that he will take a big step forward. Future Times has a similar profile and must enter calculations, while Taunton third Jackomy is just one more to consider.
- ESTISSA showed signs of inexperience before running on to finish third at Lingfield on her racecourse debut. The daughter of Dubawi is the first foal out of Group/Grade 1 winner Audarya, who was also trained by James Fanshawe, and she makes plenty of appeal with Oisin Murphy booked. Define ran with promise on both starts in Ireland and she is likely to go well. Others to note are Maid On The Shelf and Korbut.
- FISTRAL BEACH has been in consistent form over the past few months and the five-year-old scored over C&D on her penultimate start. John Mackie's mare may find further improvement from the application of first-time cheekpieces in what looks a winnable contest on paper. Faster Bee could bounce back from his latest start at Southwell, while Sioux Warrior has dropped to a very fair mark.
- Bernie The Bear has been knocking on the door recently and he appears capable of being in the mix once again. Oldbury Lad didn't get the clearest of runs here on his latest outing and is worth another chance, but the claims of MOLLY MARINE are hard to ignore. She hasn't been beaten far on all three runs in maiden/novice company and an opening mark of 55 looks workable.
- WATERFORD CASTLE gets a confident vote in this handicap. Deemed good enough for the Chesham Stakes at Royal Ascot last season second time up, George Boughey's charge was beaten at odds-on on his comeback here but should be able to strike off a mark of 78. Laureate Crown heads the list of dangers from Born A Star, but they've got absences to overcome.
- ROSE COTTON made her seasonal/handicap debut here in January a winning one and she strikes as the type who could improve plenty this year for a shrewd yard. The C&D winner has to concede weight to the field here but is still very much the one to beat. Bella Bisbee is a former course scorer to note, and Samra Star is also interesting.
- HARD TO BELIEVE has a penalty in this novice heat for winning at Bath last year but should still take plenty of beating. Andrew Balding's horses have been running well so the 165-day absence isn't too much of a concern, and he could be a three-year-old to follow this season. Room Fourteen is next best of those boasting form, and Clarissa Eclipse is the pick of the newcomers.
- The vote goes to MYTHICAL ISLE, who put a couple of below-par runs behind him when finishing a close-up third over C&D last month. The son of No Nay Never isn't in any deeper this time around and, off an unchanged mark, he might prove too strong for the likes of East Tyrone and Midnight Call. Piperstown is another to consider.
- Legendsoftheland and Fircombe Hall both arrive on the back of classified stakes wins and must be respected, but it is MAGNA who shades preference. Tony Carroll's filly has held her form well since completing a double at Southwell in January. Rossa Ryan gets aboard this time around and it would be a surprise were she not to go close. Trust Sergei is no back number either.
- Yorkshire Glory has made rapid progress since the turn of the year, winning five times, but this is a much tougher assignment and THE FLYING SEAGULL could put an end to his hot streak. Hugo Palmer's gelding has yet to add to a sole juvenile triumph but he returned to action with an encouraging fourth last month and may well take a step forward. Betsen heads the remainder.
- In a competitive Quinte+ ALLURRE (10) could be the runner to follow. She looked good returning from a break, is well handicapped, has won at the track and has Christophe Soumillon up. FEVE (4) finished third in the reference Quinte+ on 3 March after a lengthy break and should improve. MEMPHIS TENNESSEE (9) won that race and will need to defy a six-pound penalty and CENTRAL PARK WEST (3) was just behind him and should run well again. ALOYSIUS (8), will be competitive if he handles the track.
- It could be a case of consistency rewarded for YEP (3) who has not had a bad run in his four starts. He tackled a decent field last time when finishing second and the only concern is that this will be his first outing on sand. American-bred HOMERE (8) makes his debut but comes from a powerful yard and gets a weight advantage. TANQUES (1) and AEDION (6) finished second and third respectively over this course and distance last time out and deserve respect.
- There are some interesting fillies headed up by well-bred NEW YORK MELODY (10) who was regarded highly enough to be entered into a Gr 1 race last autumn. Her second start was in a potent field and she was not beaten far into third place. She returns from a five-month break but should stamp her authority. VILLA MONCEAU (5) was narrowly beaten last time and looks the main threat. PHILLY BASSETT (1) might be suited by a drop in trip while CHAPELLE SIXTINE (4) continues to improve.
- This is not the strongest of fields, and based on his second and third last races SEU JO (4), the highest rated runner in the field, could have the edge over his opposition despite a disappointing run in a Handicap last time out. He also drops in class this time. There is little to choose between LOCHNESS (2) who was claimed after running 3rd last time and HALSEY (1) who did not finish too far behind him. RUBENESQUE (6) runs in a Claimer for the first time and should be competitive.
- A very open claimer. CROWDFUNDING (8) has been very consistent at this level and should make a bold bid at beating these rivals over a course and distance that suits. EXACT (5) is capable of a strong finish on occasion and is a lively danger. LEPARD (4) picked up a win in this division at Saint-Cloud and might just follow up. SHOWPOWER (6) is not reliable but is capable of scoring, so must be respected.
- Another competitive handicap. HAUTE GAMME (7) has been very competitive of late and clearly gets on well with Anaelle Mekouche, so he may well go one better. OASIS BAY (6) has some good runner-up performances over this course and distance lately and would not be a surprise winner. COMTE NOIR (2) is better than what he showed last time out and can contest the finish. ZOUBAREVA (12) carries a penalty for her last win but can follow up.
- VICTORY CALL (4) is better than her last run would suggest. She is well drawn and could make all the running. ZAKOSHA (7) returned to form with a good performance at the track and should be right there at the finish once again. FRANCISCANO (6) was not disgraced over a similar distance at this track and can be competitive again. THE SHADOW (11) did struggle the only time he tried this surface but is consistent and must be respected for that.
- A very open lucky last race. HAMILTON (15) has been good over this course and distance of late. Frida Valle Skar will claim an allowance on him, so he will receive weight from all his rivals. He is a narrow choice to score. HUMAN EVOLUTION (8) returned from a break and was as good as ever, so it would be no surprise to see him win. ASLAN SENORA (6) continues to win races and pick up penalties but must be given respect. KEANU (1) has been threatening to win a claimer of late and is another to consider.
- OLYMPIC STORY (6) fell over fences in late September when last seen and was second in a Grade 3 chase at Auteuil before that last March. She is a classy operator over hurdles and should be too smart for her rivals. KIRAKINE (5) could be the one that shakes up the selection. She has been running respectively over fences of late. CHOEUR DE GRIVE (3) ran arespectable race when fourth in a Listed hurdle at Auteuil in early December and is hard to rule out.
- SORCELEUR (1) can bounce back after a below par run last time in a Grade 3 hurdle, and is best judged on her penultimate start when third in a Grade 3 hurdle at this track in late November. His chief threat could be OCRE (3), who has been performing well with three solid runs of late, the most recent when scoring in a Grade 3 chase at Auteuil on November 29th. PRESTIGE D'OLVA (2) won on his penultimate start at Fontainebleau in December and can have a say in proceedings. KAYO COCO (4) heads the rest.
- FIDELE AU POSTE (2) won recently in a claiming chase at Fontainebleau and looks capable of following up. STERNKRANZ (9) could be the one that makes life difficult for the selection, with solid form over fences last year. KUCHARSKY (1) won on his penultimate start over hurdles at Cagnes-Sur-Mer in early January and could be the best option for the each way enthusiasts. LUTEUR DE MEE (3) makes up the shortlist.
- KAPPA D'ESTRUVAL (1) has been in consistent form with several placed efforts of late, the most recent when second in a Class 2 chase at this track 21 days ago. He can score at the expense of LUMINO BELLO (4), who has been off the track since a pleasing effort when second at Auteuil in a Class 1 chase in late November. LOUSTIC DE CIERGUE (9) is another to consider and looks like the safe each-way option. LUDMIKO (5) makes up the shortlist.
- Having scored on the flat three times, FIUMICCINO (1) made a pleasing start to his hurdling career when scoring at Fontainebleau two weeks ago and can follow up. YES PLEASE (17) could be the one that makes the selection work hard for success. He has a taking profile and will know what is required on debut. MR RAFFLES (6) has solid each-way aspirations after a decent third on his latest start at Fontainebleau in late February in a Class 5 hurdle. MOISES HAS A BOAT (13) is worth a market check on debut.
- MARY SHELLEY (2) has solid credentials. She has performed well over hurdles and fences recently, and was a decent fourth at this track in a handicap chase 21 days ago. Her main danger could be DREAM WEAVER (4), who won the race and can once a again be expected to be competitive. RAFFLES FLYER (1) won a Class 1 chase at Auteuil in February and is one to keep onside. MURRAYFIELD PARK (10) looks best of the remainder.
- HAPPY PEOPLE (12) could be the answer in this competitive affair. He was a pleasing third at Auteuil in a Class 1 chase in late February when last seen and is marginally preferred ahead of PRIAM DU MESNIL (3), who scored at Cagnes-Sur-Mer in early January in a handicap chase. MON PETIT PRINCE (4) is another to consider trying fences for the first time after three solid efforts over hurdles recently. LISETTE D'ESTRUVAL (1) heads the rest.
- TENUTA (17) has performed well on her last two runs at this track, with a second on her penultimate start and a fourth on the latter over 3600m in a handicap hurdle on March 11th. She is given the nod ahead of KESIUS DU GRANIT (4), who ran well at Pau two runs back when third in a handicap hurdle in early February. TUTTI BELLA (8) fell on the latest start but remains capable if non the worse for her recent mishap. HAUT LES COEURS (2) is another that can have a say in proceedings.
- MISS APRES (10) has been a multiple trier thus far and has the urge to claim her first career win. She meets a sort of field where she stands a good chance in finally claiming her first win. LA ALMADIA (6) just found one better than her last time out and although stepping back to the 1200m here, she will be motoring home. HEUREUSE (3) has run two seconds thus far in two starts and can sharpen up here in her third career attempt. PREMIERA (7) must be considered in all plays after running a good third in her recent attempt.
- KHELONYX (10) does not spark the eye in his last two attempts but his form before that shows he is one that can be effective. If he is wise here, he has every chance to score. DYNAMITIC (11) is a colt that packs ability and must be given utmost respect bringing Listed and Group 3 form into this race. He looks the ideal danger to the top elect. METAMORPHIC (7) is cherishing life having won his last two efforts and will be a bold trier in sealing off the hattrick win. ROMAN FORUM (12) completes the quartet mix.
- MISS DES VIALETTES (9) delivered a cracking second in a Listed for Purebred Arabians and looks to be in fine fettle in this race. She will take a power of beating. RAHAF (10) has the fitness on her side over the top choice and certainly has the limelight shining over her too. She looks ready to give the top choice a run for her money. KIAORA DU SOLEIL (5) must be granted credit after a solid trying eighth in a difficult Group II Arabians race. She can very well hold a place chance. JOUZA (1) must not be discounted from any betting calculations.
- SKYWOOD (6) was not disgraced in both his career starts finishing fourth over the 2400m. He now has his third outing and could be cherry ripe to become a firm victor. JARKI (4) has been second in command in his last two starts and this soldier looks absolutely poised to strike into the winners enclosure. VIOLIN (11) was not far off them when finishing fifth over the 1900m and stepping to the 2000m could see her sneaking closer. NOARDS (1) is in intimidating form and can certainly awaken this field if they caught asleep.
- A weak race and anything is possible in this handicap. VIRIMOON ETOILE (16) has been in good form of late and looks the right one to side with. ELUFAN (10) is in good shape and won a solid race at Pau. He should contest the finish once again. SILAHAI GIRL (11) has struggled this year but is a danger off her current handicap rating. HONG KONG STAR (15) is consistent and should make the frame as well.
- A small field but a very interesting race. CHARLIE DE LA BRUNIE AA (3) is the best of them, as her numerous wins last year show, but she does return from a break and her fitness will need to be taken on trust. MOSSARY AA (2) is also returning from a break but does have talent and must be respected. EDANTZA AA (7) is fit and in good form, so should fight out the finish once again. NAXOS AA (1) has improved of late and could contest the finish again.
- A tricky lucky last race. FARREL DU PECOS AA (2) impressed last year with some good wins. He is returning from a break and last raced in October, so his fitness level will be tested. HEROS DU MAS AA (3) needed his only run of the year and, being fitter now, should contest the finish. FLINTILIE AA (5) is fit and in good form, so can be competitive once again. MANESKIN DA CLODIA AA (7) has been very consistent of late and is clearly not out of it.
- WHISKEY DIAMOND can bounce back from a poor run last time and should prove too good. National Diamond has solid claims, while Olympic Wings is respected following a win in a lower grade.
- SMOKIN' HOT looks the one to beat after winning over C&D last time out. Time The Avenger finished a close second recently and could challenge. Boudin also merits consideration based on consistent form.
- LOADED ONCE MORE has strong course form and could bounce back from a disappointing run last time out. Rock Star Parking finished second in a higher class race recently. Bo Runkle has been consistent at this level.
- NATIONAL STORY looks well-placed to build on a solid fourth last time out. Redden finished third in a similar race and could go close, while Stormed Out has winning form over C&D.
- DARK VADER has strong recent form and looks the one to beat. Aint No Bandleader won last time out and could go close again. Gunner Gabriel drops in class and may be dangerous.
- FRENCH ONION impressed when winning by a wide margin last time out and could follow up. Ramsey, a C&D winner, and Major Tom, stepping up in class, are the main dangers.
- PRIVATE MO won impressively last time out and could follow up in this easier contest. The Money Monkey has placed in higher grade races and merits respect. Cowgirl Chic is another to consider.
- SMOKIN HOT CHICK steps up but showed promise when runner-up last time out and could be the one to beat. She Grins has solid form and may challenge. Al Mustaneera impressed on debut and could improve.
- MAGGLES MCGEE has shown consistency with two placed efforts and looks the one to beat. Baby Needs Shoes could improve from last time, while Have Style may build on her recent third.
- CITIZEN BARRETT looks well-placed to follow up on his C&D win last time out. Expo City, stepping down in class, could pose the main threat, while Toni The Grrreat is another to consider.
- RED LEADER looks hard to oppose after winning his last three races impressively. Sweet River Baines comes here off a victory and could challenge. Blazing To Gold placed last time and may complete the trifecta.
- DAUX won last time out and could follow up in this. One Mark, runner-up in a higher grade recently, and Three Martinis, a C&D winner last time, are next best.
- CATMANSUE steps down in class and could bounce back from a disappointing run last time. Moonshine Mischief has been consistent in recent starts. Aztec Sun placed at this level two runs ago.
- BE A PRO has strong recent form and looks well-placed to succeed. Pray For Me Ray comes off a solid third-place finish. Toppers At Seaside could challenge despite a poor last run.
- PUNKIN PUDDIN has solid form in higher grade and looks the one to beat. Regal's Charm is improving and can chase home, while Proceedtothefront could complete the placings.
- THATSATERRIBLIDEA has been consistently placed and could go one better. Mo Money Molly is a C&D winner with solid form. Ms Tres Morena won impressively last time out.
- ADIEL looks well-placed to go one better after a strong runner-up effort last time out. American Ballad also finished second recently and could challenge. Exit Strategy may improve on a placed effort in this class.
- RIGHT FOR YOU looks well-placed to follow up on her C&D win last time out. Julia's Promise can build on a good second in the same race, while Mark It Down is respected after a stakes placing.
- MY NEKODA looks well-placed to go one better after a strong runner-up effort over C&D last time out. Made American drops back in trip after a good second. Hold My Scotch steps down in class and could improve.
- APOLLITICAL SLATES could do well in this maiden contest. Imm A Candy Spirit and Keep A Secret Jess are others to consider.
- VERDI looks the one to beat after a strong runner-up effort over C&D last time out. Boundless Optimist has shown promise in recent starts and could challenge. Oswald also merits consideration based on previous placed efforts.
- ABOUT LAST NIGHT can build on a strong runner-up effort over C&D last time out. West Is West has been knocking on the door and could go close, while Im Gunna is another to consider.
- CHOCOLATE FRECKLES can build on a recent third-place finish. Lula Bella has C&D wins and could challenge. Happy Chappy placed third two starts back and may feature.
- CANE CREEK ROAD won impressively over C&D last time and looks the one to beat. Stradivarian finished a close second in the same race and could challenge again. Mcclusky has been consistent and may complete the placings.
- HAIL STATE won last time out and looks well-placed to follow up. Our Bold Prince impressed when winning recently and Magic Castle, despite a poor last run, has strong form.
- ENGLISH DANGER has strong recent form and looks well-placed to go one better than last time. Vronsky Feint finished well in a similar race last time and rates highly, while Vulin is another with solid claims.
- COASTAL KID looks well-placed to follow up on his last-time-out success over C&D. Cornishman can build on a good runner-up effort here last time, while Moneyshot is another to consider.
- ABSAROKA has strong distance form and could bounce back from a disappointing last run. Ethical Judgement finished well last time and may pose the main threat, while Storms Last is another to consider.
- RUBY'S POSSE has been consistent with several placed efforts and looks the one to beat. Sunday Night Code showed promise when second two back. Great Thingstocome drops in class and could improve.
- EMPIRE RANCH steps down in class and can improve on recent close finish. Mo Mesa has placed at this level and distance. Twisted Steel showed promise last time out.
- BOBWHITE BOBBY won over C&D last time out and could follow up. Knicks Story finished a close second here recently and Clay's Black Opal has strong course form.
- MISSES MILLIE has shown consistent form and looks well-placed to bounce back from a recent third-place finish. Oh Juliet could build on her maiden win, while Little Iris may improve on recent efforts.
- WORK ZONE has strong claims after a close second last time out and can go one better. Our Flat Out won on debut at this track and distance and rates next best. Brody's Chrome is another to consider.
- I'M ALIVE won impressively over C&D last time out and could follow up. Da Chief and John are capable of making their presence felt.
- MISS CODE RED has strong form and could prove too good. Elegant Okie finished well in a higher class race last time. Momacya also drops in class and may feature.
- DEVIOUS LOVER has strong claims based on recent placed efforts and looks the one to beat. Mighty Message finished a good second last time out and could go close. Mcmusic is another to consider after a runner-up finish in a similar race.
