Michael & Fred Watson Handicap Chase

Five-time course winner. 17/2, good second of 9 over 19f here on Boxing Day. Has form over this sort of trip going back a bit. Another prominent Sedgefield showing seems likely.

Three-time scorer who landed a 3m Kelso maiden hunter last April. Bettered that form when third in Stratford novice hunter the following month. Probably needed the run after 7 months off when mid-field in 25f Catterick handicap chase for Ruth Jefferson 4 weeks ago and may do better now.

Made a winning chasing debut at Kelso in October 2024 but mixed record since, including pulling up at Catterick over Christmas. First-time cheekpieces need to have a positive effect.

Good start to chase career when runner on return at Uttoxeter (3m, good to soft) in October. Back to that level when third of 14 at Catterick (25f, good0 4 weeks ago. First-time cheekpieces won't need to give him much more.

Has only a 20.5f Ayr handicap chase success in February 2024 to show from his 25 starts. Best effort this season when third of 8 over 2½m at Musselburgh 5 weeks ago. Back up in trip with Brian Hughes doing the steering.

Maiden pointer. Hasn't seriously threatened over hurdles, including 2 handicaps, so the switch to fences needs to have a positive effect.

Fitted with cheekpieces and much improved when getting up late in 21f course handicap chase in December. Easy to back and well beaten at Catterick over Christmas. Steps up significantly in trip.

Course winner. Bounced back to form when striking on return at Hexham (3m, good to soft) in November but this veteran is rather in-and-out and has been below par twice since.

Fair maiden hurdler who resumed from 7 months off with a good fourth of 16 in handicap hurdle at Chepstow (19.5f, soft) in November. Below that level when 18 lengths third on 3m Market Rasen chase debut over Christmas but he can likely do better with that experience behind him. Cheekpieces go on.

Poor maiden hurdler in Ireland. Did win a point over there last winter but has failed to complete in 2 handicap chases at up to 19f since joining Micky Hammond. It remains to be seen whether this significant step up in trip helps matters.

Unreliable maiden who ran one of his better races when 16 lengths fourth over C&D last month but is no good thing to turn up in similar form this afternoon. Has had wind surgery.