Ivythwaite Lodge Kerry Stevens Memorial Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Point winner who was off 2½ years prior to last season, building on his hurdling debut effort to win a maiden here a year ago. However, pulled up in an Exeter handicap (23.1f, heavy) the following month and off again since ahead of this chase bow.

Winning Irish pointer/hurdler. No show in 3 starts over fences last season. However, fared much better (had a breathing operation and tongue tied) when placed 2 of his 3 starts this term so warrants respect.

£100,000 recruit from the Irish pointing field who got off the mark over hurdles in maiden at Uttoxeter last winter. Failed to kick on after, however, and made an unpromising start over fences at Uttoxeter on New Year's Day.

Belatedly built on his earlier promise in a first-time hood after 7 months off when second at Chepstow in October. Encouraging third switched to fences at Warwick 3 weeks ago and likely to build on that.

Improved upped in trip/with cheekpieces fitted when running out a wide-margin winner of 2 handicap hurdles at Southwell (24.3f, heavy) during second half of last term. Hasn't kicked on switched to fences this season, however, running poorly 3 weeks ago.

A fair winning hurdler last season and showed a bit more than previously over fences stepping up in trip when third at Haydock 6 weeks ago. More needed again.

Opened hurdles account at Market Rasen a year ago and back to form this winter, good third on chase bow over C&D 12 days ago, albeit no match for the winner. Respected.