Dragonbet Veterans' Handicap Chase (Leg 6 Of The Stayers' Veterans' Chase Series)

Failed to fire in two high-profile handicaps during the summer but his Perth second in June reads well (3m, good) and he's dipped to a dangerous mark; can show his form after a break.

Particularly effective on the Cross-Country course at Cheltenham where he was second at the Festival (3m5f) before struggling in the 2m5f Topham at Aintree; probably best watched on this comeback run and belatedly tried in a tongue-tie.

Won Newbury's feature staying chase in November 2022; belatedly rediscovered his winning touch at Warwick in February (2m4f) and went in again at Fakenham in May (3m, good; five ran); remains on a good mark only 3lb higher for last time and firmly in the reckoning.

Hasn't run well over fences this year but stopped the rot with a near miss over hurdles at Down Royal (3m) where this weekend's leading Cesarewitch contender Reverend Hubert was back in third; his jumping can be an issue in this discipline but perhaps Sean Bowen can help in that respect.

Good strike-rate over fences and produced three solid runs in defeat (2m4f/2m5f) since returning from an absence; mark has barely moved and returning to further looks a good move.