Huyton Asphalt Franny Blennerhassett Memorial Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Below par in Topham latest but had returned to winning ways at Kelso (21.6f) previously and remains on a workable mark.

Progressive 5-time winner in 2022 but lightly raced and disappointing since, including over hurdles latest. Back down to last winning mark but percentage call is to look elsewhere.

Most progressive over fences in 2022/23, making it 6 wins from 8 starts when taking this contest (off 5 lb lower) 12 months ago. Below best in Bet365 Gold Cup latest but had posted a good fourth over C&D previously and must enter calculations.

Dual winner on good ground in 2022/23 and shaped well on several occasions in defeat last term. Below form at Cheltenham latest but return to flatter track may see him in a better light and he warrants respect.

Useful but not the most straightforward, hanging left off the bridle (also flashed tail) when second over fences at Huntingdon in November. Poor efforts over hurdles since and comes with risks attached back over the larger obstacles.

Returned to form when landing a handicap chase in first-time cheekpieces at Doncaster (3m) in December and backed that up with good fifth in Premier Handicap over same C&D the following month. Needs to bounce back from a poor effort here last month, though.

Much improved sent chasing last term, completing hat-trick in a handicap at Kelso (22.3f, heavy) over Christmas. Back from 12 weeks off when running poorly at Ayr last month, however, and may prefer more cut in the ground.

Won 3 on the bounce over this sort of trip during spring 2022 but failed to fire in 2 runs last season after 13 months off, including at Kempton 25 days ago.