Scotty Brand Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race)

Won at Carlisle (2m4f, good) in November on second chase start; ran really well in defeat the next twice and, after two lesser efforts, he returned to form when dominating the four-runner 3:50 over 2m here yesterday; has 5lb penalty in what looks much more demanding company than on Friday.

10yo who won this last year (soft) off a 1lb higher mark; has also won on good ground; fair efforts on first three starts this season and he wasn't without a chance when unseating three out at Aintree (2m, good to soft) nine days ago; could have a part to play.

Won over hurdles at Doncaster (2m3f, good to soft) in December and good second over fences there (2m, good) last month behind one who was runner-up in a Grade 1 novice at Aintree next time; that's the only previous occasion he's worn these blinkers; fair second over hurdles at Bangor (2m3f, good) last time; 3-8 over fences and could have more to offer now back chasing.

Made it 2-4 over fences (2m2f/2m, good/soft) with easy win in first-time cheekpieces (retained since) at Naas in January; weakened up the hill when 16l seventh in the 2m4f Jack Richards at the Cheltenham Festival and this 6yo retains potential for his good Irish yard now back down in trip.

Went close in this in 2022 (good to soft) and won it in 2023 (good; off 10lb higher); 0-10 since; not beaten far at Kelso (2m1f, good) last October and last month's sixth at Doncaster (2m, good) was a step back in the right direction, but this 11yo needs another today in first-time cheekpieces.