Weatherbys nhstallions.co.uk Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

No longer the force of old but exploited some considerable help from the handicapper when making all for clearcut success at Wetherby (2m3f, good) last month; it's hard to tell whether he'll be in the same mood again but a 4lb rise ought to be manageable.

3-6 since switched to fences in December (including a walkover); battled on well for very respectable third off today's mark in quite valuable series final at Carlisle (2m4f, good) three weeks ago and may still be on the upgrade; sports first-time cheekpieces; major player.

Dual hurdle winner (soft/good); left poor chasing debut behind when second at Newcastle (2m4f, good to soft) in January, but was pulled up again on his latest outing and it's hard to know what to expect from him.

Won four times over hurdles (2m3f-2m4f) for Donald McCain in early part of this season but has struggled on all three starts for new stable since November; will find this easier than the Listed race she contested on last month's chasing debut but still has a lot to prove.

Struggled to get competitive in four novice/maiden hurdles during the winter, but won readily by 7l on chase/handicap debut at Market Rasen (2m1f, good) last month and followed up over hurdles here (2m3f, good) a few days later; 11lb higher now but could quite plausibly have significant further improvement to come.