Fred Champion Groundworks Handicap Chase

Trip fine and handles most ground, so has plus points, but needs to bounce back after a couple of below-par efforts when last seen out. Bit to prove now and others preferred.

Has looked a little progressive this year and looks well suited to life over the larger obstacles but 10lb hike in the weights looks a little harsh for his win at Taunton last time in just a three-runner contest. In form so can't be dismissed in this line up.

Successful twice in point-to-point's and a winner over hurdles here in October. Not looked straightforward on his last two outings though and has some questions to answer about his attitude now.

Has always looked the type to make a chaser, so of interest on chase debut here on that alone. May have needed recent run at Warwick after six months off, so excused that, and on best form and under ideal conditions here, isn't discounted.

Won off a mark of 127 at Towcester back in 2014 and has threatened to score off this kind of mark since he has been dropped back in trip. Will enjoy this ground and looks capable of getting back on the scoresheet at some point.

Winner at Sedgefield in 2015 but plummeted in the weights after several poor efforts since and returns to chasing off a higher mark than he can run off over hurdles. First-time blinkers need to bring the best out of him and he's not on a bad mark if they have the desired effect.

Enjoys fast ground and won some point-to-points for his previous trainer before finishing runner-up on his only start under rules for that yard earlier in the month. Could have won that day if he hadn't of blundered the last and expected to do well for this yard with the Champion Jockey booked now and race fitness on his side.

Just one win from 21 starts under rules and has looked in capable off this sort of handicap mark in recent times. First-time tongue-tie applied.