Heineken Chase (Novices' Limited Handicap)

Made the long journey North to Sedgefield last time a winning one, produced after the last by this rider to stay on strongly and see off Wolf Sword (2m5f). Forecast conditions are likely to suit, but this drop in trip is a significant concern, as he was a runner up over 3m at this track in December. 5lb rise probably fair.

Ex Irish, and a Gowran Park juvenile maiden hurdle winner for Charles O'Brien in November 2014 (2m Heavy). Tended to mix hurdling with the Flat in Ireland, and has raced just three times for this stable since November 2016. Dropped 15lb (combined) for those efforts, but didn't seem to relish fencing when pulled up on chase debut at Ludlow last month. Up in trip in first time cheek-pieces.

Stayed on doggedly to get the better of Master Jake over 2m at Uttoxeter last weekend and now 4lb higher (rated 114) for that success. Also ran with credit over C&D in December when a five length runner up to Cape Caster, and again promises to go well on slightly less testing ground.

Lightly raced for his age with a career punctuated by two sizeable absences from the track (July 2012 to November 2014 & May 2015 to January 2017). Nevertheless, a two time winner over hurdles (2m Heavy & 3m2f Good), so clearly versatile, and likely capable of building upon belated Bangor chase debut last month dropped one whole mile in trip. Chase mark of 114 is 8lb lower than his hurdles mark of 122.