L&R Pest Control Services Novices' Limited Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Smart hurdler in his prime; on the downgrade now and does not have a convincing record over fences but posted a sound effort when clear second to revitalised opponent at Kempton (2m2f, good) in March and is 1lb lower now; needs to be taken seriously.

Very useful handicap hurdler at his best but last season's campaign was disappointing and he still has quite a lot to prove over fences.

Ended last season in excellent form, winning over fences at Cheltenham (2m, good) and Plumpton (2m3f, good); latest 4lb rise does not look excessive and she might still be on the upgrade; makes obvious appeal.

Went close off 2lb higher over C&D (good to soft) in October but ended last season with two heavy defeats over today's trip and is now 0-18 over fences; needs to turn things around.

Just 1-9 over hurdles but kept on well for second (no threat to winner) in valuable series final at Kelso (2m, good to soft) in March and was not disgraced in 2m4f series final at Cheltenham last month; might ideally prefer ground slower than good but still enters calculations on chasing debut.