Comfortably won this race last year, with his trainer having already won it three times in the previous five years with Nuts Well; ended last term with a win at Ayr in April and needs major respect despite being 5lb higher than 12 months ago.
Second of four in this race two years ago, in a campaign that included three wins; started last season with a heavy defeat in this contest but found his form on last two outings; has a competitive mark if returning on song.
5-8 over fences, including wins at Bangor in May and Newton Abbot in August when last seen; left with little to beat when winning by a street in the latter (raised just 1lb since) but could still be capable of better in this sphere and another step forward would not surprise.
His most notable performances have been on soft or heavy going, including two wins (one here) last winter and second to Tommy's Oscar at Ayr in April when last seen, but he did win on good ground as a handicap hurdler in March 2023; as a 6yo, he could still be open to significant improvement.
Left Gordon Elliott during last season and was switched to fences by new yard, winning from the front in two six-runner handicaps on good ground (Huntingdon and Plumpton) but suffering heavy defeats on heavy and good to soft in the other two races; wore cheekpieces last two starts; off since May but likely to have good ground again, so has to be in calculations.
4-22 over fences, including wins at Hereford in January and Kelso (good) in May when last seen; his heavy defeat in between under James Turner came at 33-1 in a much better race at Aintree on soft, so can be forgiven, but he faces some potential improvers today.
6yo who won handicaps at Hexham in May and Bangor (again on good) in June on his first two attempts over fences; creditable third at Uttoxeter (good to soft) in June when last seen; should still be open to progress, which he will need from 7lb out of the handicap.
Won a mares' novice at Exeter (2m1f, soft) last December and ran well in two of her four races afterwards, including when fourth at the big Aintree meeting; off since May; there's more for her to prove on good ground and particularly from 8lb out of the handicap.
1/5 Odds Place 1,2,3
( Pool guide displayed could change before the race starts & should be used as a guide only )
