Sodexo Live! Veterans' Handicap Chase (Leg 4 Of The Stayers' Veterans' Chase Series)

Unseated rider (still prominent) at Sandown in January when seeking a second success in the veterans final; battled his way back to pip Gabbys Cross for a Newbury win (3m2f) four weeks ago and, although 5lb rise takes him to his highest mark since 2022, this sterling character needs major respect.

Good third in this event in 2024 and won at Sandown (3m, good; from Copperhead) that November; missed 2025 but ran encouragingly on reappearance at Newbury (3m, soft; 50-1) three weeks ago, still disputing the lead when making a mess of the second last; should go well.

Ex-Irish 11yo (four races for current yard) who has not won since July 2022 but so nearly put that right in first-time cheekpieces at Newbury four weeks ago when Copperhead wrested back the advantage in the final strides; back up 4lb and Sean Bowen takes over; clearly capable of a bold show.

Won at Ludlow (3m) in October and creditable fourth off this mark at Chepstow (3m2f, again good to firm) four days later, both under Callum Pritchard; recent Taunton run ended in an unseat before push came to shove but he's a big player judged on that autumn form.