Did well last season, winning three times at Newcastle (2m-2m4f, good-heavy); not seen since his fourth over C&D (good) in May, though, and will need to hit the ground running to have any chance off current mark.
Bids to complete a hat-trick after soft-ground wins at Worcester (2m) and Bangor (2m1f) this autumn; probably fortunate in those races (leader fell in closing stages both times) but he's only 2lb higher here and ought to be on the premises again.
Yet to make any further progress since dominating from the front in first-time visor at Newcastle (2m, heavy) in February but didn't run badly this month, after a break, and has possibilities if the switch to blinkers gives him a boost today.
Not an instant success for new stable this year but has made the frame on last two appearances, more recently when third on return to chasing at Hexham (1m7f, soft; refitted cheekpieces) last month; remains on a good mark and the quicker ground here ought to suit him better.
Scored over C&D (good to soft) last month and is a dual course winner (2m1f/2m4f, good) off a lower hurdle mark since; back over fences today and an obvious contender in current form.
Gained all six wins at Hexham (three hurdles, three chases); ran quite well when third there (2m4f, soft) on latest outing but that was nearly six months ago and his Sedgefield record is much less persuasive.
Succumbed only in closing stages after running game race from the front at Kelso (2m1f, good to soft) last month and is still on a workable mark after recent 3lb rise but he's too inconsistent to rely upon and his rules strike-rate is 0-18.
Dual 2m1f chase winner in summer 2023 (good/heavy); returned from absence with quite encouraging third at Huntingdon (2m, good) in March but was tailed off the following month and has been off again since.
1/5 Odds Place 1,2,3
( Pool guide displayed could change before the race starts & should be used as a guide only )
