Richard Landale Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Headstrong sort but developed into a very smart chaser last season, winning a brace of handicaps. Had a rare off day on his reappearance but more like it when second, albeit a remote one, in the Grade 2 Shloer Chase, held when making bad mistake last.

Won the Grand Annual at the 2024 Cheltenham Festival and fine second when bidding for a repeat in that race during the spring. Reappearance fifth back at Cheltenham caught the stewards' attention and he was back in top form when second in a graduation chase 4 weeks ago.

Made all at Chepstow in April and picked up where he left off when dominating 3 rivals at that venue in October. Another excellent effort when second to a progressive one in the Haldon Gold Cup a month ago. Merits serious consideration from same mark.

Three-time chase winner (at up to 18f) who fared best of those held up when seventh in Grade 2 novice handicap at the Festival in March and better than ever when landing Scotty Brand Chase at Ayr in April. Didn't quite see out 20.2f latest and he's down in trip. Cheekpieces back on.

Prolific chase winner who is back on his last winning mark, which was gained in this race a year ago. Recent hurdles spin will have blown away the cobwebs and he's of major interest.

Failed to get his head in front last season and he wasn't able to land a meaningful blow on his recent reappearance over C&D. Similar story at Wetherby and he's probably vulnerable to younger legs. First time cheekpieces applied.

Had a good first season over fences in 2023/24, winning 2 of his 5 starts. Couldn't add to his tally last term but has been cut plenty of slack by the handicapper and has shaped as though in reasonable nick this autumn.

Maiden hurdle winner in March 2024 and made a seamless transition to this fences last season, chasing home subsequent Grade 1 winner Caldwell Potter prior to bagging back-to-back Ayr handicaps. Given considerate ride on reappearance from tough terms and better expected back in a handicap.

Opened his chase account at Punchestown (16.2f) in June. Ended time for Gavin Cromwell in disappointing fashion and didn't fare any better on stable debut over C&D in October. Has had wind surgery.