dragonbet.co.uk "Chasing Excellence" Novices' Chase (GBB Race)

Has gone 5-5 over fences (2m5f-3m2f) since the cheekpieces returned in June, last time prevailing in a match; tackling stronger opposition here and he's penalised accordingly, but he's in the zone and fighting fit.

Consistent and progressive since her attention was turned to fences and now 3-8; only had one rival to worry about in a 2m7f novice last time and made heavy weather of that, but even penalised this mare has every chance on all the figures.

Massive improver when winning six consecutive races over hurdles and probably better than ever when close up in a big-field handicap at Aintree's National meeting (3m, good); strong traveller who could easily be every bit as good over fences.

Inferior hurdler to some of these but didn't have a lot of racing in that discipline and first win came here (2m); ran well in two handicaps before comfortably doubling his tally in a novice at Ffos Las (2m4f, good); tackles a new trip here on chase debut.

Did try chasing last season and was highly tried at Grade 2 (beaten 6l) and Grade 1 (beaten 27l) level; returned to hurdles for final start and ran pretty well in a 3m handicap; well-built gelding who retains plenty of potential for this discipline.