Bulloughs Cleaning Services Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Shaped well (having first jumps start for 13 months) when runner-up under a positive ride in a Doncaster handicap hurdle in November. He's failed to beat a rival home on each of his last 3 starts, though and hopes now pinned on the switch to fences helping to reignite his spark.

Made up into a fairly useful hurdler last term, signing off on a winning note in a Southwell maiden. Promising second in 2m Uttoxeter handicap on chase debut/return in October but pulled up at Newbury the following month (since undergone another breathing operation). Tongue strap applied.

Runner-up both starts in points and produced his best effort yet under Rules when second in an 8-runner Stratford handicap chase (17f, soft) 18 days ago, 1 lb nudge fair enough and may well go one better here, provided that he responds positively to the first-time cheekpieces.

Still a maiden but plenty of placed efforts to his name over fences. Didn't see his race out over 19f on soft ground at Catterick last time and better expected back down in trip here with conditions likely to be more suitable.

Scored over hurdles here in October and largely consistent since, for all that he finished weakly (not for the first time) when fourth at Newcastle (2½m, good to soft) earlier this month. 3 lb lower now and couldn't rule out with this drop in trip a potentially good move.