Thorn Plant Hire Beginners Steeplechase

Winless in his last five starts, with a pulled-up effort in recent form and a seventh last time out, Barton Sky faces a stiff task on our figures — ranked 11 of 13 — though he has run over today's trip before and the 24-day break at least suggests he returns fresh.

Chanceawetmorning fell last time out, which tempers enthusiasm, though he was fourth two starts back and a winner five starts back, and has run over today's going before; the 166 lb burden is a stiff ask for a runner ranked seventh of thirteen.

Runner-up last time out after an eighth two starts back, Fort Dino did win three starts back and has experience of today's going in his favour, though carrying 166 lb and an eighth-of-thirteen rating suggest he faces a stiff task from the middle of the pack.

Landed a win two starts back but hasn't raced in over 960 days, making his return the defining question; he has run over today's trip and a rating of 119 gives him claims, yet the lengthy absence and a hefty 166 lb ask leave plenty to prove.

Jarrive De Mee has experience of today's distance and going, and his two wins three and four starts back underline his class, with our rating of 129 marking him a leading threat in this field; the concern is a 419-day absence, which makes his return to fitness the key question.