NAF Handicap Chase

Best effort for a while when runner-up over 30.7f here (good) in February but record stands at 0-9 over fences and, moreover, he's by no means certain to be in the same form this time.

Bagged a trio of handicap chases at up to 3m last season, the latest off a 5 lb lower mark at Ffos Las 12 months ago. However, nowhere near that level in a handful of appearances this time round.

Good start over fences following a second wind op when runner-up at Hereford in January and went one better over 21f at Ffos Las later that month. Has failed to complete the last twice, though, and now tried in cheekpieces.

Placed both starts over fences in France and while he completely misfired on debut for new connections here in January, he got back on track following a wind op when scoring at Fontwell (21.6f, soft) last month. 3 lb rise fair and shapes as though this trip will be within range.

Successful off 6 lb higher at Uttoxeter in November 2021 but has shown precious little in 2 starts since returning from a lengthy absence in February.

Stepped up on previous efforts for this yard when fourth in a 9-runner handicap chase at Chepstow but merely passed beaten horses without ever looking a serious threat. 0-12 over fences and likely to find a few too good once more.

Opened chase account in November and firmly back on track upped in trip with cheekpieces enlisted the last twice, landing handicaps at Ffos Las (3m) and Taunton (27f). 5 lb rise for latest success could have been worse and he's a must for the shortlist.

Proved better than ever when landing a 25f handicap chase at Wincanton on Boxing Day. He is not a model of consistency, though, and made very hard work of things when third over the same C&D last time.

Now just 1 lb above the mark off which she gained breakthrough success over fences in December 2021 but largely below par this season (often let down by her jumping) and 6 lb 'wrong' at the weights here.