Turf Services Handicap Chase (ARC Summer Chase Series Qualifier) (GBB Race)

Newcastle and (latest) Huntingdon 2m4f class 5 hurdles winner either side of a stiffer task in a class 2; 10lb well in following the latter, but this Flat-bred didn't offer much in a moderate Sligo beginners' event on his sole previous chase start; 2nd at Warwick last night.

2m4f winner here over hurdles and fences with a little give underfoot, and possible excuses on both starts since his most recent success elsewhere (holding ground, pace battle); remains above any winning mark.

Resumed previous progression with last time's Doncaster handicap hurdle second (2m5f, good to soft) off 1lb lower; switched to front-running there, and would likely face competition for the lead if that strategy is persisted with today; retains tongue-tie for chasing debut.

Not hard pushed to score on last month's stable/British debut in a 2m4f Worcester handicap chase (good), for which a 9lb rise isn't harsh; French chase winner at up to 2m7f on slow ground, so appears to have an answer for most eventualities; player.

Made all in debuted cheekpieces at Taunton in February (2m5f, good to soft); 7lb rise for posting that course record time was fair, and the subsequent Newbury defeat instead looked owed to the same sort of fight for the early lead which Joltin N Jiving might yet give him here.