DragonBet 8 Places On The National Handicap Chase

Infrequent winner nowadays and doesn't always find much when push comes to shove. On the upside, his latest success was registered over this C&D off a 9 lb higher mark last January, so it would be unwise to rule him out.

Has enjoyed a productive campaign in handicap chases, gaining third success of the season when readily making all at Plumpton (17f, good) in September. Looked rusty back from a 5-month break at Southwell and this run should be more revealing.

Showed fairly useful form when runner-up on the last 3 of his 4 starts in 2021/22 for J. Boisnard. Didn't offer a great deal on debut for this stable at Doncaster in December, though, and will need to leave that well behind now switched to fences.

Fair hurdler/chaser who is 2-3 since undergoing a wind op, most recently landing a 5-runner C&D handicap. Probably not the easiest for the handicapper to pin down owing to his tendency to doss in front and he's the one to beat.

Winner of 2 of his first 3 starts over fences, including a good-ground Worcester handicap last June. Jumping went to pot when misfiring at Market Rasen the following month, though, and opposable here back from a 9-month absence.

Winner of Warwick maiden hurdle last May and, though rather in-and-out since, his latest third in a handicap at Exeter (21.6f, heavy) was a creditable effort. 2 lb lower now switched to fences and he could have a part to play if his jumping passes the test.

Landed Ffos Las handicap chase for second year in succession in November, produced to lead before last and asserting quickly run-in. However, he's been disappointing on his next 2 starts and is in danger of mirroring a regressive 2022/23 campaign.

Made the perfect start sent chasing last season, winning his first two starts. Not been in same form this term but he has been cut plenty of slack by the handicapper and took a step back in the right direction when third at Doncaster (19f, soft) last time. Blinkers applied.

Resumed winning ways at Fontwell in February but has come up short on each of his 3 subsequent starts, including when beaten over 16 lengths in the C&D race won by King of Brazil. Looks vulnerable.