bet365 Pennine Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Campaigned over hurdles since joining Dan Skelton last winter but he did win over fences in Ireland; shaped well when placed three times earlier in the year but not in quite the same form in two comeback runs in recent months (had wind surgery in between); a revival wouldn't surprise but Prince Zaltar looks the more obvious of the yard's pair.

Looked a hard ride when runner-up on her return to fences at Cartmel (2m5f, good) but travelled better when winning comfortably on the step up to 3m1f at Warwick (good) in September; disappointed at Chepstow the following month and given a short break since.

Dual hurdle winner and now a dual chase scorer after a battling win at Fakenham (2m5f, good) in June; returned from a break (had wind surgery) with a 14l second to Moon Rocket (due to run here Friday) in C&D handicap 15 days ago, fading from the last as if the outing might have just been needed.

Went down by a neck in this race last year and looks set for another bold bid after his third in the Rehearsal at Newcastle (1m7f, good to soft) two weeks ago, his attempting to go with the well-handicapped winner probably costing him second.

Three-time winner at Doncaster and also posted in-frame efforts in the Great Yorkshire and Grimthorpe chases here last season; reappears off his lowest mark since winning here in January 2022 but his recent record fresh isn't great.