Newcastle Flooring Company Handicap Chase

Useful winning chaser who has been given a chance by the handicapper after a rather quiet campaign. Not the stoutest of finishers these days though, fading over hurdles in the mud here 3 weeks ago.

Has taken well to chasing for new trainer Olly Murphy, winning last 2 starts when completing (2m handicaps at Southwell and Carlisle). Couldn't get to the front and produced an error-strewn round of jumping at Ayr 7 weeks ago. First-time headgear, and stamina to prove up in trip.

Point winner who looked a useful prospect sent hurdling when making all at Ayr in December 2022. Shaped as if retaining ability in face of stiff task when behind Giovinco on return/chase debut over C&D and similar form when third at Carlisle. More to come.

Low-mileage 9-y-o who, following another wind op, made light of a 12-month absence to score over C&D on return. Disappointing twice since, though.

Scored in this race last year and back in top form, beaten only by a most progressive one at Ayr in first-time cheekpieces 5 weeks ago. Big shout with a repeat.

Strike rate over fences not great and he was last of 3 at Carlisle a fortnight ago. This looks tough back up in trip.