Only win came in November 2016, but has shown some good since when second over a similar trip at Leopardstown two starts ago. Returns to this distance now and holds claims.
May find this easier compared to other chases he's been coming up short in so far. Ran well for a long way at Punchestown last time and finished ahead of Bilko.
Much better form over fences on his last two starts (despite falling in his penultimate race) and should win his first chase sooner rather than later, with this top jockey taking the ride.
1/30 under rules so far (the win coming in a maiden hurdle), and hasn't finished within 10L of a winner in almost a year. Best watched.
Forecasts
Thirsty Work (9/4), Wishmoor (7/2), The Informer (7/2), Surf Instructor (11/2), Bilko (7/1), Asitsohappens (14/1), Next Bend (14/1)
Less exposed than many of these, SURF INSTRUCTOR could provide the answer here. A clear winner of a novice event at Limerick last time, if that win was as impressive as it looked then an opening mark of 127 may not prove insurmountable, especially if he can improve for the step up in trip. Thirsty Work seems to be improving over fences and may be the main danger, ahead of recent Punchestown fourth Wishmoor.