Finished runner-up on heavy ground over 2m1f at Kelso last month. Races off a 2lb lower mark in this and has won off a 1lb higher mark over hurdles in the past.
Winner over an extended 1m7f on good-to-soft at Sandown in December 2015. Absent thereafter and pulled up on debut for this stable at Newbury early last month. Predicted better ground here should suit.
Veteran performer who has finished runner-up twice off a 1lb lower mark so far this year including over C&D in February. Has won off much higher marks in the past and likely to run well once more.
Handicap mark is falling following a number of moderate efforts since moving to this stable. Well handicapped on old form however and now rated 8lb lower than when winning at Worcester last July.
Winner of three races in a 19 race career to date. Unraced since finishing runner-up off this mark in a hurdle over 2m at Hexham in September 2015 and probably best watched on return from a long absence.
Successful over fences off a 1lb higher mark at Cartmel in August. Been on the downgrade since and well beaten off a 10lb lower mark over hurdles on latest start.
Forecasts
Nine Altars (15/8), Lightening Rod (9/4), Boss Des Mottes (5/2), Honourable Gent (11/1), Vision Des Champs (25/1), Endeavor (33/1)
LIGHTENING ROD can gain a first success since 2014 by claiming this small field handicap chase. The selection has been running well so far in 2017 and can get the better of the top weight Nine Altars who ran well over 2m1f on heavy ground last time out. Of the remainder Boss Des Mottes' handicap mark has been falling recently and this return to the predicted better ground here can see him finish third.