Racing To School Conditional Jockeys' Veterans' Handicap Chase

Strong in the betting when taking advantage of a much-reduced mark a Doncaster, a breathing operation and fitting of a first-time tongue tie presumably the catalyst. Undone by 8 lb rise when upped in class at Ludlow since but should be more competitive back in veteran company. Change of headgear.

Losing run stretches back to January 2021 but shaped as if back in form when fourth of 11 in handicap chase at Newbury (26f, soft) 25 days ago. Not taken lightly off a 3 lb lower mark.

Back to form when winning amateur jockeys' handicap at Kelso for the second successive season last month. Had a hard race that day, however, and not an obvious one to follow up.

Disappointed last season but has posted 2 decent efforts in cross-country events at Cheltenham this term. Long way out of the handicap when pulled up in Welsh National at Chepstow last time. Headgear back on and not taken lightly off career-low mark.

Veteran who is generally opposable nowadays.

Successful in first-time cheekpieces at Market Rasen (21.4f) in March but patchy form since. Now 4 lb below his last winning mark but others more persuasive.