Weatherbys Racing Bank Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Showed he stays 3m when only just missing out at Kempton in January (good) where he would probably have won but for fluffing the last fence; another good effort at Ascot (3m) since, when coming from a long way off the pace to take third; strong contender off his competitive mark.

Won last season's Scottish Champion Chase (2m4f, good to soft; his last win) off 5lb lower but only sixth in the same race when last seen two months ago and there were no clear excuses; this is a drop in grade but has never given the impression that he's a stayer in the making (unraced beyond 2m5f).

Took the notable scalp of Haiti Couleurs on his chase debut last season and ran well afterwards, including a near miss in this race; poor the last twice (heavy/soft) when tried in a visor but the cheekpieces that have worked well for him are now back on; much respected.

Won this race three years ago and gained his first win since when drawing clear over 3m1f back here in December; since then he's suffered a heavy fall at Sandown and an unfortunate early unseat at Kempton but respected back here as he could still be in fair form.

Potentially well treated on old form but signed off for Henry Daly with his own ideas about the game and he made a quiet start for this yard at Huntingdon after wind surgery; risky.