Verdict

Almah is certainly on the upgrade and looks more than capable of taking this contest, with Just Kate, Chamoss Royale and Kentford Grebe others to consider. The selection carries a nice racing weight here and comes into this with two very easy soft ground wins at Towcester and Leicester to her name. She jumps well, sees out two miles on the level well enough and should be fine over this longer trip over hurdles. She sets a standard that should be too much for her opponents. Just Kate has shown ability in winning in handicap company in the past, including last time when she was all out to score at Exeter. This is tougher and she will have to improve to take it. Chamoss Royale has a bit to prove but is clearly well regarded at home. She travelled well when falling at Wincanton last month, but did not improve as expected last time. Kentford Grebe is another fair performer with a bit to do here, but she generally jumps well and can be involved at the business end, but Almah has impressed of late and can complete the hat-trick here.