Stepped up on a promising comeback at Wetherby when winning a handicap hurdle over an extended 2m7f at Uttoxeter (heavy) last month. Step up in distance appeared to suit on that occasion and he is one to note off a 9lb higher mark on chase debut.
Disappointing in two starts since finishing runner-up in a handicap hurdle over 3m2f at Warwick (soft) in January. Latest of those came when well held on chase debut in October and more is needed today.
Sole success came on soft ground over 2m3f at Fontwell in January. Good effort in finishing 5L fourth on chase debut at Fontwell (good-to-soft) last month and is one for the shortlist today.
Heavy ground maiden hurdle winner at Ffos Las (soft) in January but held in two starts since including off this mark in a handicap hurdle on his penultimate outing. Making his chase debut today.
Sole success came in a novice hurdle here in January 2016. Ran well to finish second off a 2lb higher mark in a novices handicap chase at Newbury (soft) in March, wears cheekpieces for the first time having pulled up over C&D last month.
Point-to-point winner and victorious on heavy ground in a maiden hurdle over this trip here in March 2016. Lightly raced since and well beaten on chase debut following a long absence in October.
Ice Cool Champs (9/4), Scotchtown (7/2), Billy Bronco (7/2), Millanisi Boy (6/1), Walt (7/1), Kit Casey (10/1)
Trainer Philip Hobbs took this race last year and his top weight ICE COOL CHAMPS can make a winning chase debut following an impressive success over hurdles last time out. The selection has good form on soft surfaces and can get the better of Billy Bronco who's sole hurdles success came on heavy ground while Walt, who wasn't beaten far last time out can claim third today.