Somerton Gates & Railing Mid Season Handicap Chase

Point/bumper winner who found improvement over hurdles when easily taking 11-runner novice (13/8) at Warwick (21f, heavy) in March. Switches to chasing now and must be taken seriously, particularly if market speaks in his favour.

Capitalised on drop in grade when landing 9-runner handicap chase at Leicester in February but below par since, including on Taunton reappearance 12 days ago.

Bagged his second chase win at Exeter (19.2f) on New Year's Day and plenty of good efforts in defeat thereafter, looking likely winner when falling last at Stratford (22.5f) in May. Disappointed over longer trip at Exeter latest but must enter calculations here.

Went the right way over hurdles last season, readily winning an Exeter novice (18.5f) in February before finishing runner-up in handicap at Taunton (19f) the following month. However, seemingly not taken to chasing in a couple of outings thus far.

Fairly useful course winner over hurdles who shaped as if better for the run when third of 4 on chase debut at Fontwell in October and was still in contention when unseating rider at Exeter latest. Merits consideration

Successful twice in C&D handicaps last season but not in the same form since, well held all 3 starts since returning to action in October.

Dual winner over hurdles who has acquitted himself well in both starts over the larger obstacles, latest when 7½ lengths third of 10 in handicap over C&D (heavy) 14 days ago. Should go well again.