188Bet Budbrooke Handicap Chase

Not tasted victory since backing up an Aintree win at Ascot in November 2015, though still only 2lb lower here after eight straight defeats. However, that is down to an good effort at Wetherby last time when runner-up to the improving Old Grangewood (2m3½f, soft). Had previously shown his best form at around 2m, but this trip looks worth persevering with, although lugging topweight around in bottomless ground will make it tough.

Had mainly done best on a sound surface until beating Vibrato Valtat by 7L over C&D last time (heavy) in the hood that he retains here. Up 8lb for that, but would have to have pretty strong claims on that evidence.

Latecomer to the scene having not made his debut until aged nine, but has made up for lost time and gained three wins in heavy ground early in 2016, the latest over a similar trip to today's. With the stable in form he could go close, although his record when fresh is nothing to write home about.

2lb higher than when scoring at Stratford over a similar trip (good) in October. The handicapper has had him since then. Has won twice on soft ground, though his form suggests that he would not want it to get too deep.

Largely been in good form this winter, with just a couple of ordinary efforts thrown in between three wins. The latest of those was at Market Rasen last time (2m3f, soft) and a 4lb rise looks more than fair. Has also won on heavy and looks to have a good chance of completing the hat-trick.

Last win was from a mark of 130 at Newbury in November 2014, so would not be doing so out of turn today. Has produced only a couple of decent efforts since, however, though one of them was last time. If he could be relied on to reproduce that heavy ground C&D effort from 3lb lower then he would have a squeak.

13lb lower now than when last winning (December 2014, Ascot, 2m1f, good to soft). Spent 14 months off the track before two recent Wincanton runs, though neither were screaming that he retains his ability. A market check is perhaps best advised for any renewed confidence.