Winner at Fontainebleau in March 2016 but disappointing in subsequent French starts and unraced since well beaten in an Auteuil claiming hurdle in September. Makes his debut for a new yard here.
All three victories have come over 2m and beaten a short head over this distance at Hereford in December. Well beaten on heavy ground over 4f further at Uttoxeter last month off 2lb higher mark and likely to run well back down in trip off the same mark here.
Drew clear to win well over this trip at Hereford on handicap debut last time out. Some solid efforts in novice company and chances off a 9lb higher mark here.
Winner of his last two starts at Plumpton and most recently at Warwick. Racing off a 10lb higher mark than for that Warwick success on heavy ground and current mark is a career high with a useful amateur rider (been on board the last twice) again booked to ride.
Convincing winner on good to firm at Kelso in early October but has struggled off his revised marks since. Remains 9lb higher than for that success and appears to prefer better ground than he's forecast to encounter here.
Forecasts
The Gipper (11/8), Yorgonnahearmeroar (11/4), Catchin Time (3/1), Makethedifference (15/2), Tara River (33/1)
This drop in trip can see THE GIPPER register a fourth career success over the minimum trip. The selection was beaten a short head on his penultimate outing and can get the better of last time out scorer Catchin Time who has the assistance of the amateur rider who has won on her last two rides on the gelding in the saddle while Yorgonnahearmeroar who drew clear to win at Hereford last time out can claim third.
1. The Gipper
2. Catchin Time
3. Yorgonnahearmeroar