Michael Watson Civils & Groundworks Handicap Chase

Made a good transition to chasing last term, winning 3 of his 6 starts (at up to 20.1f). Since joined new yard and is worth monitoring in market on return/stable debut.

Lightly-raced maiden under NH rules who looked set to make a winning chase debut when coming down 4 out over C&D (good) 18 days ago. Can race off same mark here and holds obvious claims on debut for new yard.

Completed a hat-trick in handicap chases over this sort of trip in early 2024. Disappointed when last seen at Carlisle 11 months ago, however, and may well need this outing.

Largely disappointing for various trainers since 2023/24 and it's easy enough to look elsewhere.

Still to win over obstacles and was unable to build on promising chasing bow when last seen at Catterick 9 months ago. Can't be ruled out, though.

Point/hurdles winner who has hit the crossbar twice in this sphere, including on final run for James Ewart at Hexham. On the downside, his profile is rather patchy and hasn't offered much on a trio starts for this yard. Returns from 4 months off.

Not one to trust given his record but likely needed last month's C&D reappearance and remains on a workable mark. May well be in the mix with headgear reapplied.

Signs of just limited ability in a bumper/3 novice hurdles but switch to longer trip on handicap chase debut could see him in a much better light here.

Dual hurdles winner for Iain Jardine in summer 2023 and belatedly opened chase account at Newcastle for this yard in April. Disappointed the last twice, however, and makes limited appeal on return.

Just sole success from 21 NH runs and ran poorly when last seen at Uttoxeter in May. Had wind operation.

Modest ex-Irish maiden who has offered little in a trio of starts for this yard. Hard to fancy on switch to chasing.