Heineken Handicap Chase

Won from 3lb lower over hurdles in October and showed much the best chase form he has managed so far when 4L runner-up at Exeter (3m, good to soft) last time from this mark. Claims.

Well beaten from this mark last time, which is 5lb higher than when winning at Taunton (2m7f, soft) prior to that. Back over this sort of trip he may again be a force to be reckoned with.

4lb lower today than when taking a Chepstow novices' handicap chase last spring. Trip and ground suit, though does have a bit to prove after some poor recent form.

Won three of his first four starts, but has never been able to build on that early promise either for Tom George or Paul Nicholls. Second spell with the former but his form has plateaued out and a decent run in defeat is probably the best he can hope for on recent evidence.

Looks well treated here on his best form and ran reasonably well over C&D (soft) last time, for which he has received a further drop. Yard not red hot at present, but it only takes one win and there may some optimism here in first-time cheek pieces.

Romped home here by 15L in the mud last time, but the handicapper did not miss that and has raised him 12lb as a result. Nonetheless, you couldn't fail to be impressed by that in the context of this race and looks the one to beat.

Races from the same mark as when beaten 8L over a similar trip at Ludlow last time. Goes well on soft ground, so the forecast conditions are of no concern, but not easy to fancy against some of these and each-way claims at best.

6lb lower here than when taking a Ludlow handicap chase (3m, good to soft) two years ago. Spent 18 months off the track before coming back in December, but has shown little on either starts and looks best watched at present.

Up just 2lb for a staying on win over 2m5f here last time and well handicapped on some of his form from two and three years ago. Return to this trip holds no fears and very much one for the short list.