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Off time: 13:52 | Winning time: 5m 46.16s

Saint Palais²⁰⁹

Age: 8| Weight: 12-0| J: Harry Bannister| T: R Bandey| OR: 126| D

17/2

Belatedly opened account in this sphere when taking a Uttoxeter novice (23.3f, heavy) in February, on what was his second run back from a lengthy absence. Not so good in a couple of handicaps since, though, and he looks vulnerable.

Form: FP/6156-

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Git Maker²⁴³

Age: 9| Weight: 11-13| J: Joe Anderson⁽³⁾| T: Jamie Snowden| OR: 125| CD

4/1

Improved with big efforts in major handicap chases on final 2 starts of 2023/24 campaign, finishing second in the Kim Muir at the Cheltenham Festival and then third of 26 in the Scottish National. Below par in light campaign last season, but on a good mark back hurdling and yard is in cracking form.

Form: 623/030-

Ikarak^p²⁰¹

Age: 7| Weight: 11-11| J: S Bowen| T: O Murphy| OR: 123| BF| D

13/8

Bagged a couple of 25f Warwick handicaps last term and signed that campaign off with a creditable second to Doyen Quest (winner twice again since) back at the aforementioned course in April. Good record when fresh and he's a key player.

Form: 8/1P152-

Kruger Park^t²⁰⁶

Age: 7| Weight: 11-5| J: Lorcan Williams| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 117WS

12/1

Progressive switched to handicaps during second-half of 2023/24 season and made the frame twice off similar marks to this last term. On the downside, he was pulled up on final 2 starts and resumes here with a point to prove (has undergone a second win op since latest start in April).

Form: 2/334PP-

Spike Jones^p,t²⁹⁶

Age: 8| Weight: 11-1| J: Benjamin Macey⁽⁷⁾| T: S Drinkwater| OR: 113| CD

3/1

Dual Fontwell winner in 2022/23 season and back on the scoresheet following 11 months off when landing this race in first-time cheekpieces last November. Far from disgraced in a pretty valuable event at Windsor on latest start in January and he'll be a danger to all if again fully tuned-up.

Form: P45/136-

Whizz Kid^t¹²

Age: 9| Weight: 10-12| J: Ben Jones| T: Dr R Newland| OR: 110| BF

8/1

Over 2 years since he last got his head in front and though dangerous to discount having slipped to an attractive mark, this 9-y-o has proved rather expensive to follow in handicap chases of late and was safely held on latest hurdles start in August.

Form: 305634

Forecasts

Ikarak (13/8), Spike Jones (3/1), Git Maker (4/1), Whizz Kid (8/1), Saint Palais (17/2), Kruger Park (12/1)

It's not hard to construct a compelling case for SPIKE JONES, who landed this prize 12 months ago on the back of a similar absence and he's 1 lb lower this time round. If Ikarak resumes in top form he will be a big threat, while Git Maker, who returns to this sphere on a potentially very handy mark, is also accorded respect.