Coral Scottish Grand National Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race)

Runner-up off this mark for Willie Mullins in the 4m2f Midlands Grand National last March; that, however, was the last time he's completed and he's mostly been back to his old tricks since by refusing to race; last two "starts" were for new connections but he didn't start at all on the first of those and threw in the towel at a later point three weeks ago.

Has looked sure to stay beyond 3m2f but pulled up in the 2024 NH Chase at Cheltenham (3m6f, heavy) on sole attempt to do so; won by 6l at Newbury (3m2f, good to soft; 6lb higher today) in December; always in the first two that day and he was disadvantaged when slowly away (from a standing start) back at Cheltenham Festival last month, well beaten in eighth but he did earn some marks for challenging three out; not dismissed.

11th in the 2023 National at Aintree on his sole attempt beyond 3m2f; won two valuable 3m handicaps on good ground in that 2022-23 season and has been close to his best with placed efforts this winter, but this 10yo probably needs a new high if he's to win today.

Lightly raced 8yo who went close in a 3m handicap hurdle on heavy ground last March and that's the furthest he's been; jumping was a major issue on his first two starts over fences but some improvement when he won a 2m4f beginners chase at Naas five weeks ago, rallying extremely well; lots to prove in this context but he's also a horse of considerable promise.

All his form is on soft or heavy ground, including two handicap wins last April and the second of those was this race by a nose from Surrey Quest (always prominent); 5lb higher today but the chief worry is that he's been so horrendously out of form this season.