bet365 Josh Gifford Novices' Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Didn't jump well enough when well beaten in Kempton Grade 2 novice in February last time but had doubled his chasing tally with ready success at Musselburgh (2m4f, good to soft) three weeks earlier, and will be dangerous if back in similar form.

Signed off for Gavin Cromwell in Ireland with hard-fought win at Galway (2m6f, yielding) in the autumn but was pulled up when reappearing for new stable at Haydock (3m1f, good to soft) ten days ago and needs to turn things around quickly.

Low-mileage 7yo who is 2-2 over fences, the latter win gained here (3m, soft) last month; recently withdrawn with good ground deemed unsuitable but his first two wins (one over hurdles) were gained on good; should cope with this drop back in trip and has plenty of scope for further progress; respected.

Returned to form and rewarded heavy market support at Bangor (2m4f, good; tongue-tie refitted) last month, his fifth start for Dan Skelton; just a respectable sixth under penalty in the Red Rum at Aintree (2m, good to soft) nine days later and his mark is another 5lb higher here, but he remains very much of interest.

0-13 since winning over hurdles on debut in France in 2024; runner-up in three chases since fitted with a tongue-tie this year, most recently at Kelso (2m7f, good) three weeks ago, but he is 3lb higher in a stronger race here and needs to find something extra.