Has shown something on all three chase runs so far, despite falling late on first time. Beaten just 1L at Uttoxeter last time, he has gone up 4lb for that, but stamina should be his forte and he may well be able to improve again.
Placed in his first two chases before winning by 8L at Worcester (2m7f, good) last time. Up 9lb for that, handles good to soft and is improving, so has to enter calculations.
Irish point-to-point winner (on soft) who ticked off a win over hurdles at the third attempt when scoring over 2m5f (good) at Warwick in April. Clearly has some ability, though this mark is likely to ask questions on this, his chase debut.
Dual Irish point-to-point scorer who improved with each of his four starts over hurdles, doing best when last seen at Huntingdon in January. Step up in trip looks a big plus for this chase debut from what seems a fair mark. Interesting.
Has been in the grip of the handicapper over hurdles since winning back to back races last year. Well beaten third on chase debut at Uttoxeter last month and was capable over hurdles from this mark, so possibilities, although best on good ground.
Rated 129 over hurdles, but this mark does not looks quite so attractive when considering his chase form. Dropped 6lb since being beaten 14L when favourite at Cartmel (2m5f, good to soft) last time and has a chance, though also risky.
Front pair were 13L clear when he had ¾L to spare over the runner-up when winning at Kelso (2m5½f, good) last time out. Up 8lb for that, but this return to 3m should be positive and provided the ground does not turn soft he has decent claims.
Won hurdles at both Carlisle and Cartmel in 2016 at up to 2m6f and including on good to soft. 0-5 over fences but has been competitive in defeat and the same result may occur today.
Forecasts
Cuirassier Dempire (2/1), Compadre (9/2), Anteros (5/1), Vinnie Lewis (5/1), Kilronan Castle (8/1), Red Giant (11/1), Abbotswood (14/1), Kayla (28/1)
There look sure to be some future chase winners in this line-up, though some have already broken their duck over fences including the improving CUIRASSIER DEMPIRE, who is taken to follow-up his Worcester success. Compadre is another for short-lists now stepped up to three miles, while Vinnie Lewis and Red Giant are perhaps the other pair to consider more closely on this occasion.