Sun Racing Plate Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race)

Nearer last than first in the novice handicap chase (extended 2m4f) at the Cheltenham Festival last March but he's a better horse now, having won at Punchestown (about 2m5f, soft to heavy) in November and been close up in a big field at Leopardstown under similar conditions last month; even more needed and he might prefer slower ground than is likely today; yard runs two.

His campaigns can be short and not always sweet but he's had some excuses since making a sparkling chase debut at Navan (2m1f, yielding) in late 2024, including when returning with some mucus in a nostril in the Galway Plate last July; right back on his game when confidently ridden to win at Navan (about 2m4f, soft to heavy) in December, despite suffering some interference, and his best days could still lie ahead.

Three hurdle wins at up to 2m1f last season but he was the last to finish in the Martin Pipe here (about 2m4f) last March; has proved his worth in small-field chases since, winning two from four starts, over 2m3f (good) and 2m (soft); he can raise his game further but a strongly run race on a track with a steep uphill finish raises a question.

Talented but delicate 12yo who has run just ten times over the years; conditions suit but he's been soundly beaten and pulled up in his two starts for new yard; will do very well to add to trainer's three wins in the race.

Has hurdle form at Cheltenham over a similar trip to today's but he races mostly on sharp tracks, albeit with soft ground against him in January when well back in his sole chase start here; never showed with a chance when upped to 3m at Kempton recently and he's no strong option to improve a 2-15 strike-rate over fences; yard runs two others with better claims.