bet365 Handicap Chase

Ex-French chaser with a progressive record for this stable, winning 3 of his first 4 starts and upping his game over the Grand National fences the last twice, latest when second in Becher Chase earlier this month. 4 lb higher now but likely to go well again.

Bounced back to best form when close second of 9 in handicap chase at Chepstow (23.6f, good, 18/1) 26 days ago, well positioned. 5 lb higher mark will make life tougher, however.

Returned to form when taking 7-runner handicap chase at Wetherby (24.2f, soft) 26 days ago. This is tougher but she's unexposed at this sort of trip.

Won twice at around 20f last term and shaped as if as good as ever when runner-up at Wetherby in October. Undone by jumping errors at Newbury latest, though, and yet to prove himself over this longer trip.

Won at Market Rasen on second outing last term but not scored since and been below par in good company both starts this season. Cheekpieces tried now.

Resumed winning ways at Newbury (23.4f) in January before excellent second in Sky Bet Chase over this C&D. Record patchy since, but latest eighth in Paddy Power at Cheltenham (20.2f) was a step back in the right direction. Shortlisted with new headgear.

Looked promising when winning both completed starts over fences during 2019. Failed to kick on thereafter and has a 20-month absence to overcome but has been given a chance by the assessor on first run for a new yard (left Caroline Bailey).

Lightly-raced 10-y-o who was sharper for return when runner-up at Market Rasen (21.4f) in September, hampered 4 out but keeping on to go down narrowly. In deeper contest here, however, and others appeal more.

Four-time winner at up to 3m in 2020/21 but failed to fire last term and no impact in either outing this campaign.