Won a 2m Ludlow handicap chase two starts ago (good to soft), but was found wanting in a higher grade last time. Overall balance of his form suggests he will again struggle to win from his current pitch.
4lb higher here than when scoring at Market Rasen on Boxing Day. Didn't stay when upped in trip there next time and probably would not have won at Wetherby earlier in the week if he had completed. Not yet one to discount from this mark, however, especially in first-time cheek pieces.
Has won one of his four chases so far, at Sandown in December from 6lb lower than today's mark. Ran well enough last time at Haydock to suggest that he can be effective here. Both career wins have been on good ground.
Reasonably consistent performer for one in this sphere, though does not find winning easy these days. Did so last time, however, at Newcastle in January (2m, soft) and back up 8lb as a result, which will make this tough enough.
Sole National Hunt success came over hurdles when with George Moore. Has time on his side still and a recent pipe opener over hurdles will have done no harm. If he has strengthened up since his last chase runs then he could have a serious chance from this mark.
Finished second in six of his last 11 starts, winning just one of them, in a heavy ground Lingfield novices' chase last season. No reason why he can't go well again from this rating, but likely to find one or two too good.
Forecasts
Never Up (5/2), Pembroke House (7/2), Uno Valoroso (9/2), Unzing (5/1), Back By Midnight (6/1), Truckers Highway (15/2)
Unzing remains of interest now that cheek pieces are fitted for the first time, while Pembroke House looks capable of picking up some prize money once again, but for the win the suggestion is NEVER UP, who should strip fitter for a hurdles run and is on a very workable mark.
1. Never Up
2. Unzing
3. Pembroke House