McHale F5 Range Veterans Handicap Chase

Prolific winner over hurdles (rated 144); did okay over fences last year and was fair third over 3m2f on his return to action at Killarney; stays 3m well, so this trip looks too short, plus he was disappointing when favourite for last year's Mayo National.

Bled in this last year; good form in first two starts for this yard at Killarney in the summer and creditable third of 17 in valuable 2m4f veterans' contest at Haydock last month; chance on that form.

Long time winless; showed a spark over hurdles in October; mark was 144 after he finished second to Solness in late 2023; no worthwhile chase form since and handicapper has now relented; still, big revival needed under Cobden.

Ran consistently well when sent over fences last term, culminating in a ready win in a similar contest at Wexford where reapplied cheekpieces seemingly had a positive impact; four of these were behind him there, but he's 8lb higher now and wouldn't it to dry out too much.

Only had 10 starts, four of them over fences; after a year off, was 20l behind Supreme Jet at Wexford; capable type, though, and chase mark is 7lb lower than hurdles perch, so not dismissed.