Took out a valuable contest at Leopardstown (2m1f, yielding; 20-1) over Christmas in good style, four subsequent winners have come out of that race; 9lb higher and much-respected on first outing since.
Won three of his six starts over fences in 2019 after joining this yard; latest in novice company at Sedgefield in October. Wetherby run over Christmas leaves him ground to make on form with some of these.
C&D winner in November (sixth chase success); easily forgiven pulled up effort in Scottish Champion Chase (40-1) in February; winner since back at Musselburgh and capable of a challenge despite being 4lb higher here.
Hung tough when scrambling home at Kelso (2m1f, soft) over the festive period; very consistent since, including when beaten 4¼L by Nuts Well (was completing a hat-trick) at Wetherby last month. Dual hurdles winner here.
Veteran made a wining return to action at Kelso (2m1f, good to soft; 8-1) in the autumn but well held in all starts since and vulnerable to these younger rivals.
Best form is over further and had been struggling prior to departing Ted Walsh's yard; needs a sizeable change in fortune for new handler if hoping to have designs on the prize.
Irish raider DRUMCONNOR LAD will take halting if in the same mood as when scoring at Christmas. He beat some useful rivals at Leopardstown that afternoon, and beat them well, while plenty winners have come out of the pack. Now rated 9lb higher, he can add to his tally. C&D winner Ardera Cross must be feared on form while Clan Legend is a dual course winner over hurdles and should go well.