Broughton Hall Estates North Wales National Handicap Chase

After 19 months off (left Sam Thomas), shaped as if as good as ever when making the frame in handicap chases first 2 starts this season but hasn't fired since.

Not quite the force of old but largely acquitted himself well last term and got back on track to some degree when fifth at Lingfield last time. Claims if he can build on that.

Kept on gamely when opening chase account in a mares' novice here last spring and was going well when falling 3 out in a Class 2 Perth handicap in September. Safely held all 3 starts since (undergone wind op since latest run), though, and needs to get back on track here in a first-time tongue strap.

Tumbled down the weights and finally took advantage when landing small-field marathon at Chepstow in March. That wasn't a particularly strong race, though, and he's been pulled up all 3 starts this season.

Not as consistent over fences as he was over hurdles and ran poorly at Exeter last time after a respectable return at Chepstow. Has had a break since.

Unreliable type who doubled his tally for the season when grinding it out from the front at Lingfield 15 days ago. Hard to know if he'll be in the same form here, though.

Point/hurdles winner who got better with each run over fences last season and all the better for return when just failing at Haydock two months ago. Needs considering.

Fair form when twice successful over fences at around 3m last season and resumed winning ways back from 5 months off over hurdles at Wetherby (3m) in October. Good second back over larger obstacles at Aintree on Boxing Day and player back down in class.

Point/hurdles winner who is lightly raced over fences and has run with credit on two of his last three starts. Step up in trip and cheekpieces could bring more out of him given the way he shapes.