Ayton Castle Handicap Chase

Fairly useful hurdler who has shown a similar level of form over fences although his only win came at Musselburgh (appreciated the good ground) over 2m4f in a race where the form has been franked by the third. Has run some consistent races since without looking like winning but looks off a workable mark here and this is less exacting than his last race.

Course winner over shorter back in 2014 registering his first win overall/in this sphere off a lowly mark of 97 and has shown improved form since then to win three chases. Showed his best form when winning the Highland National at Perth in 2016 (off 123) but hasn't quite lived up to that form recently returning from a break and was well beaten in the race that he won in 2016 last time out. Needs a strong gallop to operate best off and now back below his last winning mark.

Winner on chase debut at Hexham beating a small field over 2m4f (jumped well) but looking as though further would suit. Seems to have rather lost his way since then failing to complete on his last two starts and pulled-up last time out at Wetherby and will have to do better here off a 1lb lower mark.

Prolific winner in point-to-points (12/23) and has won his last eight starts in that sphere before winning the Ulster National last time out off a mark of 107 (ran from 10lb out of the handicap). That would have been his best run to date and he showed a willing attitude under a positive ride. Doesn't look to have much competition for the lead again here and now gets professional handling to boot.

Four-time chase winner who won back-to-back chases in October/November (favourite both times) when the yard was in better form. Found higher marks beyond him after his last win and the handicapper has been fairly quick to relent leaving him just 1lb above his last winning mark but he has failed to complete in his last two starts under conditions that would have been quick enough as they are today

Now 15lb above his last winning mark but has a had a very consistent season and showed near his best form when taking the runner-up slot after a break last time in the Highland National at Perth (Double Whammy well behind). Testing trips bring out the best in him and will be suited by this turning into a test and even off a career high mark should be competitive here.

Both his chase wins came here at Kelso but over shorter trips than he faces today although a test of stamina does suit him. Faced a tough test last time out but isn't really in the best of form and even off a declining mark looks to have plenty to do here.

Winning point-to-pointer who should be capable of winning a small race over fences and has improved since being equipped with cheekpieces. Only win so far came with the headgear on for the second time off a mark of 88 but the 9lb rise found her out last time and this is far tougher.