National Hunt Challenge Cup Novices' Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Switched to chasing with two wins in the autumn, the latter from One Big Bang in Listed race here (3m1f, soft) despite having been a detached last of the three remaining runners at the third-last fence; that was not a fluent round of jumping but, with a satisfactory Grade 2 run at Windsor in January under his belt, he could still have more to give, including with this stamina test and first-time headgear.

Soundly beaten when just 17-2 at last year's Festival (2m4f); finally opened his chase account in November, before staying-on fifth in major handicap at Newbury (3m2f, good to soft) where he was badly hindered at the unsatisfactory start; 13l win at Sandown (3m, soft; made most) on latest outing confirmed he's got his act together, which earned a 7lb rise but he needs respect.

Twice successful in small-field handicaps at Kelso (soft/heavy) over the extended 2m7f, easily on latest start (made most) despite the odd jumping indiscretion; wore first-time cheekpieces that day, in response to his Windsor run (3m, soft) in which he got going a good deal later even than the winner Guard The Moon; up 10lb since last time but he now looks a prime candidate for serious stamina tests such as this if his jumping holds up.

Fifth in last year's Pertemps Final here as a staying hurdler and also ran well here when he had no answer to Wade Out after the final fence in November (3m1f, soft) on chase debut; readily beat a useful rival in a match at Southwell (3m, good to soft) next time and 2m3f offers an excuse for latest start, so he might be capable of better, which is needed.

2-3 over hurdles and saw off useful opposition at Punchestown (2m7f, heavy) in December in his second chase; found one too good for him when 5-6 at Naas (near 3m1f, soft) two months ago but stuck to his task manfully; this handicap debutant is just a 5yo and the only one of that age to win this race in this last 100 years was in 1978, but this became a handicap only last year and he's trained by Gordon Elliott, so needs a close look.