Has been knocking on the door in similar events and very little wrong with his third to the improving Counter Shy at Worcester last time. Should stay this trip (got 2m on the Flat fine) and if doing so, has to be a major contender.
Looked to have a future ahead of him when winning easily at Warwick in January and highly tried on final start in Grade 2 at Aintree. Step up in trip here can only help this point-to-point runner up and as he goes well fresh, must take high rank.
Green on debut for a bumper at Warwick in the summer, and a good effort to finish a close third, That wasn't a strong race for the grade, however, so improvement is required on hurdles debut today. Others preferred.
Related to a couple of winners and only beaten half a length in only point-to-point start, and purchased by current connections for £145,000 not long after. Market best guide as to chance but may not find this enough of a test.
Winner of a small point-to-point on only start and sold for £20,000 at the sales the following month. Yard not known for winners in this sphere and probably best watched today.
Regressive on the Flat and did only slightly better on hurdles debut at Market Rasen last month, finishing well beaten. Hard to make a solid case for here.
Forecasts
Carlos Du Fruitier (8/13), Frozen Flame (10/3), Amanto (13/2), El Presente (12/1), Outlaw Jack (33/1), Fast Play (100/1)
Amanto has the form in the book and should run his race again, but he could be meeting a couple of smart sorts in CARLOS DU FRUITIER and Frozen Flame here. It may be that Frozen Flame needs a bit further than he gets today, so preference is for the Ben Pauling inmate, who should be up to winning a contest such as this. Hopefully he can take this en route to better things.