Bedmax Capercaillie Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Blinkered first time when third of 14 on his handicap debut in this sphere at Thurles (2m5f, yielding) in January and off the mark over fences when landing fairly valuable event at Gowran (2m, heavy) last month; 22-1 and pulled up in Listed novice handicap last time but that had the makings of a warm event and he needs respecting.

All chase wins around 2m4f, including win at this meeting last year; Newbury specialist who landed fourth win at that track when bagging valuable handicap for second time on penultimate start; never won off a mark this high and drop back down to 2m also asks a question but he's impossible to rule out.

Three chase wins for Gavin Cromwell included comfortable win in good event at Ayr (2m, good to soft) one year ago; fluffed the start on stable debut in Cheltenham's Grand Annual but had yet to be asked for his effort when falling three out last month; now back down to that Ayr mark, while the first-time visor and booking of Harry Cobden are other points of interest.

Veteran of the field but he won over 2m with plenty of give underfoot on first and fifth races for this yard, latterly at Uttoxeter in January on penultimate start; 2m4f a plausible excuse last time and he needs consideration.

Won four of his first five completed starts over fences (2023/24) but just one success since, a Newton Abbot handicap, and he wasn't finishing his races off last year; 185-day break may have helped but this forecast soft ground raises further doubts.