It Pays To Buy Irish Novices' Handicap Chase

Still to get his head in front but reappearance second over hurdles here in November was up there with the pick of his form. Shaped as if amiss, back from 4 months off, at this course last time but can't be discounted on switch to chasing. Wears first-time hood.

Three-time winner over hurdles who arrives in good heart, latest when creditable third of 6 in handicap at Hereford 13 days ago. Goes chasing now and must be respected.

Fair hurdler/chaser for Harry Fry who performed with credit on first 3 starts for new connections this season. Below form more recently but figures off a handy mark and has the assistance of Sean Bowen.

Fortuitous winner of handicap chase over shorter trip at Fontwell in October and well held at Newcastle since. Can't be ruled out here, however.

Glimmers of ability over hurdles but no signs of improvement when fifth of 8 in handicap chase at Hereford (2m) on debut over fences in November. Others preferred.

Couple of fair efforts on his hurdling CV but nowhere near that level in a trio of starts in this sphere.

No better than poor form over hurdles for Seamus Mullins and he's failed to complete in pair of starts for present stable this winter, tailed off when pulling up on his chase debut in December. Can only be watched at present.

Winless following 15 attempts over hurdles but she's finished in the money a few times, including when third over this trip at Hereford last month. Showed aptitude for this discipline when runner-up at Taunton on debut over fences 14 days ago and is entitled to build on that.

Remains winless and has failed to complete over fences the last twice. Hard to warm to from 8 lb out of the handicap.

Sole success came back in 2021 but has shown precious little more recently. Readily opposed from 11 lb out of the handicap.