Bob Champion Handicap Chase

Irish raider who is a long-standing maiden over both sets of obstacles, yet ran one of his better races despite finishing out of the places when fourth of 8 in maiden hurdle here (22f) on Friday. Return to this shorter trip could help on that evidence returned to chasing.

Veteran who is very lightly raced for his age and not disgraced (fair form) when fourth of 9 in handicap chase at Hexham (15.6f, good) 76 days ago, somewhat typically found wanting for a change of gear. Switched yards ahead of this and he's not ruled out for each-way purposes.

Hurdles/chase winner at around 2m who ran right up to his best when second at Plumpton (17f) on penultimate start in April. Not disgraced (made mistakes) when fourth of 7 in handicap chase at Worcester a month later and switched yards ahead of this. Not discounted.

C&D winner who wasn't at his best but added another second place finish to his tally in a C&D handicap chase here on Friday. No surprise to see him thereabouts again.

Resurgent for new yard in recent weeks, cashing in off much-reduced mark with a visor fitted over fences at Market Rasen (19.1f) last week. Pulled up in follow-up bid over hurdles here on Friday but a return to larger obstacles could well see him bounce back quickly.

Bounced back to form during the spring, winning back-to-back handicaps at Market Rasen/Hereford. Essentially held form well in defeat since, likely he'd of finished much closer with a clear passage when fourth over hurdles at Worcester (2m) 11 days ago. Respected from higher chase mark.

C&D winner who gained a second success since the turn of the year from the front at Catterick (15.6f) in March. Hasn't been operating at same level in recent starts (has tended to jump right) but certainly not discounted from this mark if bouncing back.

Veteran who has scored 3 times over this C&D, latterly from a 13 lb higher mark last summer. However, his efforts so far this year have lacked spark, ultimately well-beaten when fourth of 9 in handicap chase returned to this C&D 32 days ago.

Hurdle winner for Tom Symonds who showed first form in this sphere but did finish tired when third of 8 in handicap chase at this course (21f) on Friday. More needed.