Emily Mellett 21st Birthday Handicap Chase

Dual 2m hurdles winner who got back on track switched to chasing when runner-up in small fields last 3 starts and shouldn't be long before he opens his account over fences.

Placed in Irish points/bumper and left his first 2 hurdle runs behind when springing a 40/1 surprise in 2m Taunton maiden (soft). No obvious fluke about that but well held on handicap bow at Sandown since. Makes chase debut.

Won novices' handicap chase at Warwick (2m) a year ago on final start for Paul Nicholls. Mostly creditable efforts for this yard (second over C&D after 6 months off latest) but he can look awkward under pressure.

Fair winning hurdler/chaser for Paul Henderson and struck over hurdles at just the second time of asking for new trainer Chris Gordon here in October. Not in same form next 2 starts but won this race 12 months ago when last seen over fences.

Fair hurdler who hasn't looked a natural over fences but jumped much better fitted with this headgear and ridden more positively when close second at Fakenham last month and player with a repeat.

Fair winner at 20f over hurdles. Easily best effort to date over fences when 1½ lengths second at Huntingdon in March but unable to build on that when fourth there following month.

Largely struggled outside veteran company last season and others preferred.

On the decline and plenty on his plate back over fences from out of the weights.