Murrayshall Country Estate Novices' Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Largely consistent in early part of last season and lost out only by a short head at Kelso (2m4f, good) last month, after a break; still on a workable mark after subsequent 2lb nudge and also very well suited by this C&D; leading contender.

Dual hurdle winner who ended last season with creditable third off today's mark in valuable series final at Haydock (1m7f, good); not bred for chasing but can make his presence felt if he jumps soundly; cheekpieces removed after one use.

Won twice over hurdles at Carlisle (2m1f, good to soft/soft) in November and ran well in defeat there (2m, soft) on chasing debut the following month; struggled to get competitive in good-quality Cheltenham hurdle last month but is back in calmer waters for this return to chasing and should be fine on the forecast good ground.

Ex-Irish maiden; runner-up on stable debut at Hexham (2m, good to soft; first-time cheekpieces) in March but two lesser efforts have follow; pulled up when tried over 3m here three weeks ago and now drops back in trip for chasing debut; others have much less to prove.

Four-time winner over hurdles but not seen September 2023; had excuse when well held on chase debut in the autumn (bled from nose) but this year's pointing form is not inspiring and he's 10lb wrong for this rules return.