Looked very much in need of the outing when beaten in a match at Bangor latest, unsurprisingly as it was his first run for over 20 months. Will need to jump better today too but yard having a good season and could well do that. Not ruled out.
Consistent and almost always well backed but in truth, fails to deliver the goods more often than not. Ran to form when third to Prairie Town at Sandown latest but not hard to think the handicapper has him at present.
Inconsistent but likes it here, and has two wins in the Uttoxeter mud to his name, so that's a plus, but does now need to bounce back from a poor effort at Hereford last time. Risky, but that course record helps, and not discounted.
Seems to reserve some of his better efforts for Sandown these days, and another solid effort there in December followed up by a poor one at Plumpton last time only goes to emphasise that. On that alone, others make more appeal.
Did everything but win at Newcastle last time out, headed on the line after looking all over the winner. Cheekpieces go back on, which may help, still nicely handicapped and every chance if repeating that effort.
Had given notice that his turn wasn't far away when winning at Southwell earlier in the week, a good jump at the last helping him catch the reluctant leader close home. Quickly turned out under a penalty but this slower ground not really a help.
Pretty consistent but oh-so-hard to win with and you've got to go back to 2015 to find the last time he got his head in front. Not hard to look elsewhere for the winner.
Forecasts
Beau Bay (11/4), Jaunty Thor (3/1), Ulis De Vassy (4/1), Truckers Highway (7/1), Champagne James (9/1), Pembroke House (10/1), Gregarious (12/1)
Not an easy finale to solve. JAUNTY THOR really should have won at Newcastle last time out, getting mugged on the line, and he can gain compensation here. Truckers Highway has two ways of going but if a return to one of his favourite venues encourages him to put his best foot forward, he's not out of this. Ulis De Vassy was a good winner in the week but will find ground conditions here rather slower.