EFG Harris Allday Open Hunters' Chase (For The Ludlow Gold Cup)

Odds-on third in this race last year before comfortably making all in Stratford hunter chase (2m1f, good) in May; hasn't got near the latter form in eight starts since September however and latest pulled up, despite attracting some support, was a third non completion in a row; others look safer.

Pulled up in the Becher Chase at Aintree in December but finished a very good second in the Grand Sefton (2m5f, good to soft) the previous month; returned to hunter chasing with quite a spill at Catterick a fortnight ago but holds leading claims if that hasn't left a mark.

Used to like it here, not out of the first three in five starts including over fences and when winning a novice hurdle in 2023; first start for this yard when far from disgraced in Taunton hunter chase (about 2m5f, good) in January but his 20l defeat at Cocklebarrow (3m) later that month was disappointing; still not ruled out.

Three-time winner over fences for James Ewart (2m-2m4f) but he didn't get going for Olly Murphy and it's been a similar story in two points and a hunter chase (all about 3m) for these connections; the drop back in trip might help, though.

Flat, hurdles and chase winner who picked up three points (all 3m on a sound surface) by a combined 38l last spring; fair fourth in Cartmel hunter chase in May but his comeback at Bangor's point course wasn't laden with promise 11 days ago; first start at this trip since finishing second over hurdles in 2022.