William Hill Manifesto Novices' Chase (Grade 1) (GBB Race)

Useful 2m4f novice chaser but he won a substandard edition of the Rising Stars at Wincanton and his close second at Kempton (with cheekpieces fitted) last time was achieved in a handicap; faces a stiffer task at this level in the retained headgear.

Finished 18l behind Lulamba in the Arkle but may fare better in this rematch, with the return to further a likely plus; readily bagged Grade 2 honours at Kempton (2m4f, good to soft) the time before, enhancing his good strike-rate when racing beyond 2m.

Non-stayer (shaped better than the bare result) in the 3m1f Brown Advisory at Cheltenham having surprisingly swerved the 2m4f Jack Richards option; broadly progressive otherwise and scored by a wide margin at Leopardstown (2m5f, yielding) the time before, recording a very useful RPR; ran well in the Mersey over hurdles at this meeting 12 months ago; remains of major interest, back down in distance.

Acts on any ground; ran creditably on the figures but was only third when favourite for the Arkle, in which a mistake two out cost him some ground when challenging; has otherwise been a rising force at about 2m and his record away from the Cheltenham Festival is 6-6, comfortably beating his elders in the Game Spirit for the most recent success; gives the firm impression he's ready for a crack at this new trip; sets the standard and retains the potential for rating higher still.

Comes here fresh having bypassed the Cheltenham Festival and been absent since a Kingmaker defeat that is perhaps best forgiven due to the heavy ground; 3-3 over fences otherwise, including 2m wins at Aintree (handicap) and Kempton (Grade 2, readily); may resume improvement, provided he stays the new trip.