Watch On Racing TV Handicap Chase

Front-runner who bids to complete a Fakenham hat-trick after two wide-margin wins in two-finisher contests this year (3m5f, soft/3m, good to soft); the value of his form is tricky to evaluate and today's faster ground may not be ideal but, nevertheless, another bold bid seems likely.

Probably fortunate to win off today's mark over C&D (good to soft; leader fell at final fence) in October, but that was still a good effort and his next two runs were respectable; contender if tuned up after 97-day break.

Three-time course winner, including last two editions of this race (both on good ground); returned from layoff with two pretty good efforts at Huntingdon (2m7f/2m4f) last month and commands respect back here.

Won by 12l over hurdles here (2m4f, good) last season but well beaten in his last three chases, most recently when back here (2m5f) in January; needs a revival on this first attempt at 3m.

Runner-up over hurdles here (2m4f, good; first-time blinkers) on latest rules start last June and competes off a 10lb lower mark today, but his chasing strike-rate is 0-11 and this year's point form is uninspiring.