EK Mowers And Machinery Novices' Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Three-time hurdle winner in the first half of 2024; out of form last season and now makes chasing debut with quite a bit to prove; handy mark, however, and market support on this return could be significant.

Small-field bumper winner who went 0-6 as a hurdler, including when an odds-on runner-up twice in the spring; dam won twice over fences (useful form) but he had weakened when falling at the last on his chase debut at Chepstow (about 2m4f, good to soft) 12 days ago; drops in trip and he's open to progress.

Hurdle winner off this mark at Stratford (about 2m 3f, good to soft) in March; not disgraced when sent chasing for fifth at Wincanton (about 2m, good) a fortnight ago; needs to build on that but it's not out of the question.

Dual winner over hurdles who's dipped below her last winning mark; 0-5 over fences but hadn't been asked a serious question when hampered and unseating two out at Hexham in June; fair comeback over hurdles at Carlisle three weeks ago; first runner at Ludlow for Rebecca Menzies.

Standout run came when second in a 2m novice hurdle at Doncaster last November; not an awful lot to shout about otherwise and he was beaten 32l when 28-1 for his chase debut at Bangor (about 2m2f, good) in October; hampered early that day, however, and subsequent wind surgery may have helped.