William Hill Leading Racecourse Bookmaker Handicap Chase

Won 5 times over fences in 2023, including twice here, and returned to form when twice reaching the frame at Uttoxeter in the June. However, form has nosedived the last twice and there are more appealing options in this line-up.

Last victory was gained over hurdles at Newbury in 2022 and he has posted some creditable efforts in defeat in this sphere since. On the downside, this 11-y-o shaped as though amiss tried in blinkers in a Uttoxeter handicap hurdle last time and cheekpieces swiftly refitted now back chasing.

Looked a good prospect when getting the better of Opening Bid on return/chase debut at Uttoxeter (21f, good) in June. Soft ground against him when turned over next time and duly got back on track when dead-heating (subsequently awarded the race outright), again at Uttoxeter, last time. Big player.

Opened chase account when proving 3¼ lengths too strong for Opening Bid off this mark at Warwick in October. Creditable efforts in defeat next 2 starts but form has taken a turn for the worse since (pulled up in race won by Get Up Mush at Uttoxeter last month) and he needs to bounce back.

Fairly useful chaser for Dan Skelton in 2022 and in good form between the flags in recent months, successful on 3 of his last 4 starts in that sphere. Pulled up in a hunter chase at Wincanton on latest Rules start in February, though, and he has a bit to prove back in a handicap chase.

Four-time course winner and has found just one too good on his last 2 visits here, latterly in a C&D handicap 9 days ago (Begin The Luck back in third). Will have his work cut out against progressive 6-y-o Get Up Mush but may well beat the rest of these if he repeats his latest effort.

Solid efforts in defeat when runner-up at Stratford and over this C&D in June before finishing well held in a Uttoxeter handicap won by Get Up Mush. Back on track when third back here recently, albeit he has 3½ lengths to find with the re-opposing runner-up, Kauto The King.