HR Smith Handicap Chase (For The Boyne Cup) (GBB Race)

In good heart prior to being let down by his jumping the last twice. Goes without usual tongue strap again here and now has something to prove, though the drop back in grade should help.

Irish point winner who was successful on 2 of 3 starts in novice hurdles. Improved on chase debut when close second in 5-runner handicap at Warwick (2m) in January but sulked when unable to lead at Leicester last time. Needs to bounce back but longer trip offers scope for progress.

Not tasted success since 2024 and he failed to convince with jumping when third of 4 in handicap chase at this course (2m, good to soft) 5 weeks ago. Work to do belatedly stepping up markedly in trip in refitted tongue strap.

Course winner who produced a creditable second of 8 in handicap chase at Chepstow (3m, good) 11 days ago, going with enthusiasm before tiring. In good heart but suspicion is that he may by ideally suited by shorter trips.

Not won since 2023 and form in Ireland has been patchy at best since. Starts out for a new stable here but comes with plenty of risks attached.

Both career victories have come at this track, including a career-best effort when making all in 6-runner handicap chase (2½m, good to soft) 23 days ago. 6 lb higher mark to contend with in a deeper race but looks hard to rule out around here.

Veteran who doubled his tally for the season at Huntingdon (3m, soft) in December. However, he has struggled for form since then and is hard to fancy at present.