Ended last season with a hurdle win at Wincanton (2m5f, soft; first-time cheekpieces) in April; pulled up on chase debut at Worcester (2m7f, soft) last month but that was without headgear and he may have needed the run; should have a future in this sphere and he needs watching in market with cheekpieces reapplied.
Seven-race maiden but he's well treated on his best hurdles form and was beaten less than 3l in a chase handicap at Hereford (3m1f, good) two weeks ago; that was only his second run over fences and has possibilities if he can build on that.
Won three in a row on soft ground over fences (3m1f/3m) late last year, but was a spent force when falling at Wincanton in January and he followed that with a heavy defeat at Leicester in March; now returns after another wind operation but he won on his seasonal return last year and is a big player if he can get back near best.
Had form figures of 112 in his first three chase starts last season but he's struggled over hurdles and fences in his two runs this term; has some questions to answer with blinkers now tried and he's never run over this far under rules.
Made it fourth-time lucky over fences when justifying favouritism on stable/seasonal debut at Ayr (2m5f, good) 25 days ago; up 7lb for that narrow win but he showed a good attitude to hold off the runner-up and this step back up in trip should be fine; key player.
Just one win from 20 starts over fences but that came at Hexham (3m, good to soft) in May and he made a solid start for new yard when runner-up at Sedgefield (3m2f, good to soft) last month; usually races prominently and he should go well again back in trip.
Stout stayer in the mud who has mostly struggled since early in 2023, and although there were better signs when close up in a 4m Hexham chase in March he was well held there when last seen later that month; up against it back from break.
Infrequent winner but his last success was off a similar mark at Catterick (2m3f, soft) in February and he made some eyecatching late headway at Sedgefield (2m5f, good) on his recent return after a break; now tackles a new trip at the age of ten but he could get involved if he can build on that last run.
Still lightly raced over fences and was a fair fourth at Stratford (2m6f, heavy) last month but that took his overall record to 0-16 and he's not easy to predict; others look safer.
0-10 under all codes but returned from mammoth absence with an encouraging stable/chase debut at Fontwell (3m2f, soft) last month; should benefit from that run and he could be in the mix back in trip.
Ten-race maiden under rules and he's not finished closer than 27l to a winner including in three runs over fences; 10lb out of the weights here and can only be watched.
1/5 Odds Place 1,2,3
( Pool guide displayed could change before the race starts & should be used as a guide only )
