Beaten out of sight by Altior in a novice chase when last seen at Kempton in November, but had previously won three times in novice hurdle company. Switches to handicaps here and his trainer should know where he stands with Qualando. Likely to make a bold bid providing he is straight enough after his lay-off.
Something seemed to go amiss when he was pulled up on the final bend at Wincanton last time, but before that he had been progressive and he is not without a chance with conditions expected to suit.
Won at Ascot in November off a 2lb higher mark, but has not been in the same form since and this is a tough race in which to try to bounce back.
Non-Runners
1
Qualando35
Weight: 11-12| Age: 6
T: A E Jones J: T Scudamore
NR
3
Phobiaphiliac26
Weight: 11-7| Age: 6
T: N J Henderson J: N de Boinville
NR
5
Oh Land Abloom98
Weight: 11-2| Age: 7
T: N B King J: T E Whelan
NR
Forecasts
Space Oddity (1/1), Black Corton (6/4), Phobiaphiliac (5/2), Eddiemaurice (4/1), Qualando (5/1), Oh Land Abloom (7/1)
PHOBIAPHILLAC should be in his element if going predictions are accurate and can bounce back to form. Black Corton is also interesting on his first start in handicap company, while Space Oddity cannot be ruled out in a cracking little contest.