Marrill Group Racing Ahead Handicap Chase

Regressive 11yo; returned from layoff with two disappointing runs in February and absent for another 101 days since but will be favoured by the forecast rain here and is too well handicapped to rule out.

Probably a shade fortunate when winning at Ayr (2m4f, soft) in March but is only 1lb higher here and this C&D also suits him; not seen to best effect over 3m on good ground here last month but today's drop back in trip, combined with the forecast rain, makes him of interest.

Very lightly raced for his age but was badly out of form for this stable when last seen in 2023-24 season and returns from 426-day absence with a lot to prove.

Just 1-12 over hurdles and not particularly consistent; makes chasing debut from a workable mark and has some Irish pointing experience to call upon but was soundly beaten in first-time cheekpieces (retained) in April and is not an easy one to predict; tongue-tie refitted today.

Two chase wins last season, the latter over C&D (good to soft) in March; only 3lb above that mark now but never really got involved here last month and will clearly need a more dynamic performance today.