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

Third in the Grade 1 Sefton at this meeting last year but that wasn't the strongest renewal; promising second of 14 on chase debut at Cheltenham (2m4f, good) in October hasn't been built on and he bled when tailed off in Kempton Grade 1 over Christmas; didn't impress with his jumping in February when last seen and needs to get back on track.

Tends to lead; scored at 1-50 on his chase debut at Warwick in May and impressed when winning by 10l at Exeter (3m, also good) in November; put in his place by Salver on last two starts (good to soft/soft) but comes here fresh having skipped Cheltenham and any drying of the ground would be in his favour; could get them all at it.

Experienced novice who had already won three chases by October; progress then stalled until he ran a screamer off top weight (ridden by 7lb claimer) when second in the Jack Richards at the Cheltenham Festival (about 2m4f, good; Regent's Stroll third, Jordans Cross eighth) last month; didn't stay 3m on sole attempt but that came on heavy ground and the experiment looks worth another go; player.

Progressive 6yo who scored on his chase debut here (2m, good) in October; improved at about 2m4f subsequently, looking unlucky when falling at Cheltenham in November before winning his next two, including a fairly valuable event back there in January (soft); disappointing he could not get involved in the Jack Richards at the Cheltenham Festival (Gold Dancer second, Regent's Stroll third) last month but he has often shaped as if this step up in trip will suit; no surprise if he bounces back.

Prominent-racer whose flop over hurdles at this meeting last year can be forgiven; scored on his third start over fences when beating Regent's Stroll by 4l at Cheltenham (about 2m4f, good) in January; jumping left plenty to be desired when third in Sandown Grade 1 later that month, however, and the race he won at Newbury (about 3m, good to soft) last time fell apart; he wasn't always fluent that day either but a clear round puts him on the premises.