Happy Birthday Mary Handicap Chase

Not the force of old and stopped to nothing when last seen at Doncaster 107 days ago. Hard to recommend with confidence despite an attractive handicap mark.

Winner of 2 of his 5 starts over hurdles and given a well-judged ride from the front when opening chase account at the seventh attempt at Warwick (20f) in October. Posted solid placed efforts both starts since and is likely to go well again.

Not entirely straightforward but thrived during summer of 2022, winning 4 times, and added to his tally when landing a small-field handicap chase at Doncaster early last year. Not seen to best effect, back from lengthy absence, at Southwell last month but percentage call is to look elsewhere.

Prolific early in his chasing career (winning 5 of his first 6 starts) but lost his way last season. Tumbled down the weights and hinted at a revival over a longer trip at Uttoxeter last month but couldn't really build on that at Fakenham latest. Others more persuasive.

Form took off last summer, winning 3 times at up to 24f, and back on scoreboard when taking 6-runner handicap at Southwell (24.3f, good to soft) a fortnight ago. 4 lb rise fair and another bold bid anticipated.

C&D winner who has acquitted himself well in a handful of starts for current yard, latest when third of 10 in handicap chase at this course (27.5f, good, 5/1) 17 days ago. Drop back in trip a plus and figures off a handy mark.

Triple chase winner in 2023, jumping fluently for latest of them at Ludlow (20.1f)in October. Below par in a couple of recent outings, however, and others appeal more.

Point winner/dual winner over hurdles who made most of good opportunity when landing 2-runner Exeter novice chase (24.2f) in October. However, folded tamely at Southwell on only start since and is best watched.