Advertiser Media Group Novices' Chase

Connections will be hoping that the drying weather persists as he has yet to win on grouhd slower than good. 1-2 over fences, winning a Doncaster novices' contest (2m3f) in December. Going well when falling last time and a player if he jumps around.

Wide margin winner of a Sedgefield handicap chase (2m½f, soft) in November. Well beaten at Carlisle after an 8lb rise last time but if back in the same sort of form as at Sedgefield he would have to be seriously considered here.

Won a Stratford novices' chase (2m3½f, good to soft) in September and bettered that effort in handicap company at Sandown (2m4f) in November. Well held in Grade 2/Listed company since but much respected back in this grade.

Chase debutante who won handicap hurdles at Leicester and Uttoxeter last year, both over this trip. Handles good to soft ground, though will need a marked improvement on his hurdles form to figure.

Moderate maiden from six starts over hurdles (rated 78) and well held in all starts under rules. Hard to see that changing dramatically on this first foray over fences.

Yet to make the frame under rules and has looked decidedly moderate so far. Makes chasing debut over a trip that looks a bit sharp and is very much one to watch.

1-19 in point-to-points is a stat that gives a strong clue as to the abilities of this veteran who is 0-3 over fences so far. Readily opposed once again.

1-86 career profile under rules and although he has been placed 20 times from 70 chases, he remains a maiden in this discipline. Impossible to make a case for him as the winner of this.