St Austell Brewery Novices' Handicap Chase

Hurdles winner in France in 2019 but 0-7 in this sphere and can only be watched starting out for new connections on the back of a monster absence.

Winning pointer in 2022 but no real impact in a couple of starts in that sphere in recent months and efforts under Rules a few years ago (in a bumper and 3 runs over hurdles) lacked spark. Hooded for this chase debut.

No show in a couple of bumpers/3 starts over hurdles to date. Big step forward needed now upped in trip for this chase/handicap debut.

No great shakes as a hurdler but he has shown an aptitude for this game the last twice, placed in handicaps at Stratford and over this C&D (good). This 7-y-o has to be high on the shortlist.

Well held in a couple of hunters here in May and recent effort between the flags was woeful. Best to look elsewhere.

Remains a maiden but more good efforts than bad ones since switched to fences, finishing a creditable fourth of 14 on latest start at Worcester (23f, good to soft). Visored for the first time there and cheekpieces back on here. Likely to be on the premises.

Irish point winner who made a low-key start in bumpers/over hurdles but immediate improvement tackling fences on last 2 starts, latterly coming home third in a 9-runner Fontwell handicap (19.5f, good). Since undergone a wind op and this step up in trip could be just what he needs.

Little form over hurdles in 2022 for Tracey Barfoot-Saunt and while he struck twice between the flags last year, his chase debut fourth here (21f, soft) last month will need improving upon if he's to play a leading role in this contest.

Poor form over hurdles and opposable on this chase debut.

Maiden Irish pointer who has shown little in novice/maiden hurdles this winter. Has undergone a wind op since latest start in February and vast improvement needed now upped in trip for this chase debut.

Down the field in a bumper/trio of novice hurdles. On the upside, she was successful at the second attempt in points last month but it remains to be seen if she will be able to continue the good work back under Rules. Chase debut.