William Hill Rowland Meyrick Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race)

Is quirky but no doubting his ability, placing in another good handicap in the Midlands National at Uttoxeter in March. In rear (lost several lengths at start) when unseating halfway in Grand National and wasn't on a "going" day finally start for Willie Mullins in May.

Created a good impression when winning his first 3 starts over hurdles, including the Grade 1 Tolworth at Sandown. Cast aside a tame chase debut when scoring in first-time cheekpieces at Aintree on Boxing Day and similar form when runner-up next 2 starts. Expected to step up on reappearance.

Ended last term with 3m chase win here and shaped well when fourth of 12 in handicap chase at Punchestown (24.5f, soft) a month later under an attacking ride. Spin over hurdles in October should have put him spot on for this so he's a major player.

Back on-song when bagging handicaps at Uttoxeter and Worcester during the summer. Followed that with a solid second at Perth in September and by no means disgraced in the Rehearsal Chase at Newcastle (23.4f, good). Added another sound run to his CV at Doncaster since.

Has a likeable profile both in points and under Rules, making it 4 wins from 6 starts in hunter chases when landing the Festival Challenge Cup at Cheltenham (26.3f, heavy). Strong traveller but jumping failed the test on last month's reappearance under this rider.

Back-to-back winner in 3m veterans' handicap chases this time last year and went with more zest than at Sandown when second of 7 at Haydock (25.6f). Slight step back in trip will help but he could be vulnerable to younger legs.

Had a good first season over fences, winning on 2 of his 5 starts and ending campaign with creditable fourth of 14 in handicap chase at Cheltenham in April. Looked rusty there on return but had a breathing operation after and much more like it when fourth in the Rehearsal Chase.