188bet.co.uk Handicap Chase

Made the most of a good opportunity last time out, and although he has a tough test ahead under his 7lb extra burden, he does go well at the track, so its noteworthy that he comes here instead of a possible opening at Towcester later in the week.

Now in the veteran stage, but is being kept on the go after his recent return from a very long absence. However, he has shown very little in three previous runs since the turn of the year and has an awful lot to prove just now.

Possible he'll be a better chaser than hurdler but there are plenty of holes in his current profile and has too much prove to be given an outstanding recommendation today. First-time cheekpieces may help and it has to be of interest that his stable has won two of the last three renewals of this race; so one to bear in mind if the market suggests improvement may be forthcoming.

Tries this trip after a couple of solid recent efforts over slightly shorter. Held off this mark last time out but the extra distance may bring about some further improvement. One for the list this time around.

Won a point-to-point in his early days but has been difficult to place under rules. Only lightly campaigned recently, he was pulled up at Fontwell just before Christmas, which left a little to be desired. Freshened up since then, it will be interesting to see how the market reacts to his latest reappearance.

Very poor form figures and only had a very light racing career over the last few seasons; he did at least get around in his own time when last seen out, but it his completion rate leaves an awful lot to be desired.

Well beaten and faded under pressure when he returned to action in January (on the back of an absence since May 2014). Likely that a campaign in point-to-points will be his aim, but still interesting to see how he fares at this level.

Won at odds of 25/1 at Leicester back in November but has subsequent reverted to type. He is of moderate ability and it will be surprising if he can raise his game once more.

Creeps into this on the back of a string of placed efforts in modest company. However, he may be flattered by his form figurers and needs to raise his game even though this is a very moderate event.