Smart juvenile hurdler last season. Defeated odds-on chance Verdana Blue (Grade 1 hurdles winner/Listed placed Flat) on AW bow at Kempton (1m4f; 4-1) last month under clever ride from Oisin Murphy. Should take halting in follow-up bid.
New Approach gelding with just three spaced out runs behind him. Went close on AW bow at Newcastle over 1m2f this month (second) and should have plenty to say for himself if handling this track.
Disappointing favourite for a bumper at Wincanton (when with Tom Lacey) and looked slow in two AW starts at Kempton so far (both over this trip). May need further emphasis on stamina.
Has a moderate pedigree, disappointed in one bumper run and was sent off 200-1 chance on AW bow at Kempton (1m4f) recently in a race won by Gumball. Has the thick end of 20L to find with that rival.
Cape Cross gelding out of a Refuse To Bend mare. Didn't shown enough in two Irish starts last year to warrant selection here. Likely Olly Murphy can find a race somewhere for him, however.
Prominent in the betting for both maiden runs last year on turf, no surprise for connections, but unable to challenge. Has been gelded and merits a close look on seasonal/AW bow.
Ex-Godolphin colt by New Approach, unable to justify favouritism at Redcar (7f, good to soft) in September 2017 on sole outing in blue. 100-1 chance on recent AW bow for new handler in Wolverhampton novice over extended-mile and beaten a long way.
Filly wasn't knocked about when fourth of eight in a 1m2f novice at this track in December. She was a long way behind Gumball at Kempton on second start however, and may have to wait for her turn to come.
Forecasts
Gumball (5/6), Allieyf (9/4), Momtalik (3/1), Made For You (10/1), Dimmesdale (50/1), Sacred Sprite (66/1), Muzaawel (66/1), Lawyersgunsn'money (80/1)
He carries a penalty for his Kempton win but GUMBALL foiled the smart mare Verdana Blue there under a fine ride from Oisin Murphy and should take plenty stopping despite the weight concession. Newcastle runner-up Allieyf has scope for better upped in trip and is a danger while the now-gelded Momtalik returns to action and is interesting switched to the AW having failed to match market expectations in two turf runs last year.