Virgin Bet Handicap Chase (Challenger Staying Chase Series Qualifier) (GBB Race)

The most recent of two chase wins came at 2m7f (good to soft; has won on good) in March 2023; his career punctuated by layoffs since but he's run respectably in better races than this since the latest of them and should make a bold bid; cheekpieces on.

High-class staying chase form includes a close second in the 2024 Scottish National but he fell in that race last year and hasn't shown a glimmer of his old ability over hurdles or fences since; lots to prove.

All four wins on good ground and pulled up on soft (over fences) and good to soft (hurdles) on last two starts; the headgear experiments continue and first-time blinkers replace a visor with tongue-tie refitted; wants rain to steer well clear and squeak of a revival if it does.

Has won on good to soft and heavy; made light of an absence when winning at Southwell in December but he found little at Ludlow (also 2m4f) last month and has yet to distinguish himself over this far; reservations remain; yard won this in 2019.

Dual hurdle winner at about 2m4f (good to soft and good) two winters ago but disappointments have come thick and fast since pulling up on his latest two runs at 3m; goes chasing with inevitable question marks.