Remembering Brian Davies And Volcano Novices' Handicap Chase

Lightly raced 6yo who reappeared with a fair third on chase debut at Market Rasen (2m3f, good to soft) in December; disappointing when pulled up at Sedgefield last month but he may have not have handled the tacky ground and he's a player if he can bounce back; first-time visor.

Defied this mark in a handicap chase at Ludlow (2m, good) in November but has struggled since, including over hurdles here (2m4f, good) 11 days ago; record is now 1-17 and he needs a major revival back over fences.

Dual hurdle winner who made it second time lucky over fences when beating seven rivals in a Bangor handicap (2m2f, soft) last month; up 5lb but he turned things around with that comfortable success and should have more to offer in this sphere; key player.

Struck form with two 2m hurdle wins in December (Ludlow claimer and Hereford handicap) but three lesser efforts have followed, including a well-held third of five at Ludlow last month; still 4lb higher than for his last success and something to prove on this switch to chasing; reapplied cheekpieces replace a visor.

Failed to complete in three of his four points and tailed off in three hurdle runs at Wincanton (1m7f, soft/heavy) this year; still early days and now goes handicapping but he needs a transformation on chase/handicap debut.