Michael Nickless Handicap Chase

Enjoyed a fruitful spell a couple of seasons ago but has struggled to find his form of late. He is back on an attractive mark but could probably do with dropping a few more pounds in the weights before he can truly be considered as well handicapped.

Goes well here but is winless since the 2014 campaign, so has obvious limitations. However, he is well handicapped as a result and has claims on the pick of his form. Best on good ground but needs to better his latest effort.

Another on a long losing run and comes here on the back of a modest effort at Catterick on New Year's Day. The way he faded there suggested he needs a little more help from the handicapper, even though he is currently on a mark 6lb below his last winning mark.

Showed promise on his chasing debut in October but was already on the retreat when he fell at Doncaster last time out. Has something prove after that and may be best watched today.

Experienced hurdler but is still a maiden after numerous near misses. He looked a bright prospect on his chasing bow at Lingfield last month but took a tired fall at Uttoxeter three weeks later. He still has scope to improve though and may well be one to keep on the right side for future reference.

Handles cut in the ground but didn't really impress in either of his starts over fences so far. He never actually landed a blow last time out and is not difficult to rule out on a literal reading of that form.

Modest performer who has a bit to find on the best of his efforts and looks up against it on this occasion.