Veteran who's been running well of late including when winning at Wetherby over 1m7f at the end of last month. Beaten just 3L when third of four at Market Rasen earlier this month though would probably prefer the ground softer than is predicted.
Winner over C&D on good ground in May last year. Well beaten in two subsequent outings including at Sedgefield when last in action last August and has a tongue tie fitted for the first time on his return to action here.
Maiden after 16 outings and runner-up over 2m1f in a handicap chase here last on good ground last week. Beaten 13L on that occasion he has been dropped 2lb by the handicap as he seeks a first career success in this.
Successful in a 2m handicap chase on good ground at Uttoxeter last September and still travelling well when unseating his rider on his only subsequent start the following month. Interesting runner here returning from a lay-off despite running from 2lb out of the handicap.
Maiden after 16 career starts and well held the last twice including over an extended 2m3f at Wetherby last month. Drops in trip here but likely to find a few too good from out of the handicap.
Lightly raced having had just four outings in 2016 and well beaten one ach occasion. Nearly three years since he last won and racing from well out of the handicap in first time blinkers here.
Forecasts
Elkstone (1/1), Chestnut Ben (3/1), The Lion Man (7/2), Stormbay Bomber (11/1), Gwili Spar (16/1), Flichity (100/1)
GWILLI SPAR won well enough at Uttoxeter in September to suggest that there are more races in him and he returns from an absence here having unseated his rider when still going well at Plumpton when last seen in October. The maiden Elkstone can claim second here having run well at Stratford last time out with the veteran Chestnut Ben taken to fill the final placing under top weight here.