FBC Manby Bowdler Handicap Chase

0-9 over fences but he seemed to respond well to cheekpieces when runner-up on final two starts last season (2m5f/2m4f) and may not have been suited by the drop back to 2m when below form here in May; a possible.

Useful hurdler/chase in his prime but generally very disappointing (over hurdles) for current stable since the autumn; reverts to chasing with a lot to prove.

Won three slow-ground chases in France last year; 0-6 in Britain for David Pipe but gave good account when keeping-on second here (2m, good) a fortnight ago and will be fine over today's longer trip.

Returned from break with low-key hurdle run last month but his chasing debut at Uttoxeter (2m4f, good) a few days later was arguably more promising than eventual 22l defeat suggests; may still have potential over fences.

Dual 2m4f chase winner last year, over C&D (good) in the summer and at Leicester (soft) in December; looked held when unseating rider at penultimate fence last month, after a break, but that run might have brought him on and his current mark is workable.