HRS Cladding Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Signed off for Stuart Crawford with breakthrough chase win at Carlisle last spring and back to that sort of form for current yard when fourth of 8 (from 7 lb out of the handicap) at Musselburgh in January. Disappointed latest but had breathing operation since and remains fairly treated.

In fine form for Dan Skelton last spring, winning 2m handicap chases at Chepstow and Worcester. Positive start for this yard when going close at Uttoxeter (2½m) in December but pulled up twice since. Hard to recommend with confidence.

Not the most reliable and ran poorly over hurdles at Stratford 22 days ago. Usual cheekpieces (removed for that run) are reapplied back chasing and still relatively lightly raced in this sphere.

Winless since scoring at Kelso back in October 2023 and often flatters to deceive, although rarely finishes out of the frame and is likely to be in the mix again with Sean Bowen up for the first time.

Not beaten far when third on reappearance at Sandown in November but well below that level in 2 starts since and has questions to answer at present.

Out of his depth in last year's Albert Bartlett but had taken Huntingdon maiden hurdle on second start for Nicky Henderson previously and is worth monitoring in market on chase debut for new connections here.

A fairly useful hurdler/chaser in Ireland for Paul Nolan but yet to fire in 4 runs for current yard. Has been given a big chance by the handicapper and potentially interesting here with Harry Skelton back on board (also refitted with tongue strap).

Bagged 3 chase wins for Dan Skelton this time last year but hasn't offered much for new yard thus far. Something to prove at present.

Fair winner at 2m over hurdles but is yet to really threaten over the larger obstacles, well-beaten fourth of 5 at Chepstow 16 days ago. Likely capable of better in this sphere at some stage.