Very useful handicap/hunter chaser in his prime; seemingly on the downgrade now but went close in two hunter chases for Sam Loxton in the spring and, having rejoined Paul Nicholls in the meantime, returns to a handicap on a tempting mark.
Not seen since pulled up in quite valuable race in May but seemed to respond well to addition of blinkers when third twice in the spring (2m1f/2m, good); returns from break on good mark and with cheekpieces/tongue-tie refitted; versatile ground-wise; big player if back on song.
Five-time chase winner, including this race in 2023 (good to firm); has rather mixed record this year but ran quite well on last two outings (cheekpieces added last time); will have something to prove if the ground is slower than good to soft but, otherwise, he's a leading contender.
5-6 in points in the spring (firm-good to soft) and returned to racing under rules with respectable fifth at Worcester (2m7f, good) in August; however, last month's 2m4f run at Worcester was disappointing and he now has a point to prove.
Ten chase wins, the latest when digging deep at regular haunt Newton Abbot (2m5f, good) in August; jumping errors cooked his goose last month but he's still on a workable mark and can cope if the ground softens.
Below form at Perth last month and now 0-7 over fences but has knocked on the door a few times this season and seems versatile regarding trip/ground; respectable third at Ludlow yesterday.
1/4 Odds Place 1,2
( Pool guide displayed could change before the race starts & should be used as a guide only )