CPMS Novices' Champion Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Promising third on good ground on chase debut here in November and won his next two, over C&D (soft) on the second occasion; has had excuses at Cheltenham the next twice, an inadequate 2m5f on the first occasion then being badly hampered early on at the Festival last time; could be on a good mark if things click again for him this afternoon.

Flat-bred gelding who hasn't convinced on two previous attempts at 3m, the latest a Grade 1 novice at Kempton in December; however, he rallied for third at Cheltenham (nearly 2m5f, soft) in January and kept on well when filling the same position in the Plate at the Festival (extended 2m4f, good to soft); worth another go at this trip and could have a part to play.

0-3 over fences but has run well in defeat the last twice and this Grade 2 novice hurdle winner is open to further improvement in this discipline, for a top Irish trainer who won this 12 months ago; respected.

Has finished second a lot more often than he's won and he was soundly beaten at Cheltenham last month; however, he went there on the back of creditable second placings at Exeter (2m3f, soft) and Newbury (2m7f, soft); also effective on good ground; could be in the mix now back in calmer waters.

Off the mark over fences at the fourth attempt in Newbury handicap in February (2m7f, soft; Pic Roc second); also effective on good going; merely mid-division in the Jack Richards at Cheltenham since but he's back in a less competitive race here and he could tap back into his previous promise.