Border Minstrel Pub Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Underwhelming display only start in bumpers but offered more both starts over hurdles at Ayr, making the frame on both occasions. Further improvement when just denied at Kelso on chase bow 6 weeks ago and should have more to offer in this sphere. Up in trip.

Ex-pointer who took a step forward to open his account over C&D in March and followed up with a career best at Kelso later that month. Hat-trick never looked on the cards there final start but type to bounce back. Off 9 months.

Has taken really well to chasing this season, winning at Sedgefield/Newcastle. Would have completed hat-trick at Haydock but for crumpling on landing 2 out and can make amends.

Low-mileage 11-y-o who's often held back by jumping. Shaped as if needing the run here on return but others preferred.

Clearly perked up by first-time blinkers when winning over C&D last month, running his best race for some time to capitalise on a reduced mark. Whether this headgear will work quite as well this time is up for debate.

Made steady progress without success over hurdles and further improvement sent chasing last term, winning at Hexham over a year ago. Good runner-up efforts on 3 of his 4 starts since, including on return. Player.

Goes about things in laboured fashion these days but was a C&D winner last winter and ended the season with a win at Kelso. Found plenty to lead close home at Wetherby on return but hat-trick may prove beyond him after a 5 lb rise for that success. Change of headgear.

Gamely bagged a second chase victory over C&D in March. Below par since, however, including both starts this term.