Arc All-Weather £1Million Bonus Returns Handicap Chase

Enjoyed return to front-running tactics when taking a Perth 2m4f handicap hurdle last week (good), on which form he's 6lb well in; nephew of Game Spirit hero Mr Mole holds obvious claims if taking to fences.

Record of 13312 in good-ground races at Southwell includes C&D hurdle and chase wins in 2024 off at least 3lb lower; didn't fancy it at Worcester latest (has been unruly at start before), but still of interest back at this happy hunting ground; trainer/jockey combination won 2022 renewal.

Still often refusing to settle but has nevertheless taken Stratford and Plumpton hurdles in recent weeks (2m), and is 7lb well in from the latter (tongue tie debuted there retained); uninspiring efforts at Hexham on sole two previous chase starts, albeit for another yard.

Just failed to get up off 3lb lower in this race last year (good; Royal Max over 8l behind); four wins at Sedgefield followed, but questions to answer at present following pallid efforts the last three times.

His near-9l fifth in this race last year (behind Clean Getaway) came at the end of a fairly busy spring/summer campaign; defied longer absence than today's for April's Sedgefield success, but yet to convince this higher sort of mark hasn't compromised him for further win purposes.