C1 | 4+
Winner GBP £79,394 - 6 runners
1m 5f 84y
Going: Good
Surface: T
The G2 Queens Vase winner and G1 St Leger runner-up ILLINOIS (1) holds multiple placings at G1 level. Ended 2024 winning by 2L the 1m7f G2 Prix Chaudenay at Longchamp (France). Looks hard to beat. ABSURDE (3) finished fifth in the 2m G1 Melbourne Cup last year. Maintains great hurdle form with a Cheltenham Festival premier handicap third preceding a 4.25L success in the 2m Sussex Champion Hurdle (handicap) at Plumpton. Big chance. AL QAREEM (2) remains unbeaten at this track (two from two) and secured a narrow victory in the 1m6f Listed Barry Hills Further Flight Stakes at Nottingham. Could go well again. MONDO MAN (4) ran fifth attempting the 1m2 1/2f G1 Prix du Jockey Club of 2024. Mixed hurdle form since. Shortlist as set to bounce back.