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ROAD WARRIOR failed to win in any of his first 20 starts under rules but he got off the mark at Sedgefield in February and then added two more. He was left behind in the closing stages of a handicap over this course and distance recently but that was in a higher grade and he should be back to peak fitness now.
NASSALAM looked a smart prospect over hurdles last season and he can make a successful transition to chasing. His two victories came in weak Fontwell juvenile contests but he was unlucky to bump into Adagio and Monmiral in two subsequent outings and a big weight anchored him in the Fred Winter.
This Listed race looks a good opportunity for MIRANDA. She’s won five times since joining Paul Nicholls, producing a career-best when landing a Grade 2 at Doncaster in January. Testing ground and a big weight were legitimate excuses at Sandown in March and she will appreciate returning to mares’ only company.
PROSCHEMA is interesting each way. Dan Skelton’s six-year-old made steady progress last season and looked better than ever when finishing strongly to deny Sebastapol at Aintree in May. He couldn’t get competitive when reappearing at Chepstow last time out but this new trip promises to suit.
Venetia Williams can win this courtesy of FRERO BANBOU. He was well beaten on his first three starts for this yard but benefitted from a breathing operation, winning easily at Sandown in March before finishing fourth at Aintree.
MINELLA INDO fell at Leopardstown last December and was also below par at that venue five weeks later, but Henry de Bromhead’s gelding got back on track in the Gold Cup, beating A Plus Tard by more than a length. He has been given plenty of time to recharge the batteries ahead of his return.
Last year’s winner Cyrname has a bit to prove and CLONDAW CASTLE is more solid. The Tom George-trained gelding finished no worse than second in six chases last winter and had some fair rivals behind him when runner-up to Clan Des Obeaux in an Aintree Grade 1 last time out.
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