Betfair Exchange Novices' Limited Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

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0-5 over hurdles but a different proposition since switch to fences and fitted with cheekpieces, winning his last three, all right-handed and the latest by a wide margin when left clear mid-race at Hereford (2m5f, soft); 8lb rise in the weights will ask a question now back up in class, but still respected.

Returned to win handicap chases at Fontwell and Chepstow (both 2m3f, good to soft) in November/December; fared about as well as could be expected from 10lb out of the weights when fourth of 12 in a valuable Premier Handicap at Cheltenham (just short of 2m5f, good) on New Year's Day; respected with his sights lowered.

Probably unlucky not to win a 2m6f Newbury handicap chase (good) just after Christmas when a late rally narrowly failed; well-beaten favourite back there (2m7f) four weeks ago but possible excuses emerged as Paul Nicholls reported that he was unsuited by the heavy ground and he was also found to have sustained a wound to his right hind; player if bouncing back to the level of that near miss over the festive period.

Has shown career-best form since returning this winter, winning over hurdles at Catterick (2m3f, goods) then clear second at Hereford (2m5f, soft) on chase debut; may be capable of further progress.