South West Rail Solutions Ltd Handicap Chase

Second twice in December (2m7f/3m2f) and now 10lb lower but his form has slumped since the turn of the year; had excuse (bled from the nose) when tried in cheekpieces (retained) last time but still has questions to answer.

Fell in his first two chases (both this winter); bounced back with 14l win over hurdles at Doncaster (3m, good to soft) in February but ran poorly when last in action and is very hard to predict on this return to fences.

Lightly raced for his age and now 12lb lower than when going close at Wincanton (3m1f, good to soft) at start of last year, but he's been out of form this season and needs first-time tongue-tie to aid a revival.

Unable to justify warm favouritism when well-held fourth at Wincanton (3m1f, good to soft) last month but will appreciate this ease in grade, and the form of his breakthrough win at Taunton (2m7f, good to soft) has worked out well; big player if back on song.

Placed in four of his five chases, most recently when third in first-time cheekpieces (retained) at Wetherby (3m, soft) in February; won't mind if the ground dries out and he has another big role to play.