bet365 Josh Gifford Novices' Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Prolific hurdler who made perfect start in this sphere when landing Ascot Grade 2 just before Christmas (shade fortunate). Third in Graded events next 2 outings before resuming winning ways on handicap bow at Exeter. Outclassed in Grade 1 at Aintree since but this more suitable.

Dual winner over hurdles and better form switched to fences this season, winning at Musselburgh in February. Not disgraced when mid-field in Grade 2 handicap at Cheltenham Festival since and will find this less competitive.

Proved rather frustrating prior to his ready breakthrough success over fences at Kempton in February. Struck again off 9 lb higher mark over the same C&D last month but ran poorly in the Topham at Aintree since.

Goes well this time of year and was a big improver with 4 handicap wins between May and September last season. Had been shaping well before resuming winning ways in good style at Ayr. Defied a 10 lb rise the following week at Cheltenham 10 days ago and remains of interest off 2 lb higher.

Ended his time with Patrick Neville out of sorts but, having been picked up very cheaply, proved at least as good as ever when scoring at Leicester, seemingly revitalised by a return to front running/chasing. Backed that up with a similar performance at Stratford but this more competitive.

Useful winning hurdler who failed to complete on chase debut on return but bettered hurdles form when second in novice handicaps at Exeter and Newbury. Easy to forgive next run at the Cheltenham Festival but was let down by jumping at Ayr 2 weeks ago. Headgear now applied.

Dual bumper/hurdles winner in France. Yet to score over fences for this yard but some good efforts in defeat, including when third in the Red Rum under this rider at Aintree last time. Respected back up in trip.

Fair hurdler/chaser for Paul Webber and much improved since joining this yard, winning for the third time this season at Kempton in February. Excellent runner-up efforts next 2 starts and remains of interest.

Expensive point recruit who tasted success over hurdles here and has taken well to the larger obstacles this term, off the mark with a career best over C&D 7 weeks ago. Needs considering up 5 lb.