Lord Thomas Playdough Ryan Novices' Handicap Chase

Fair maiden over hurdles but has struggled in handicaps this year and seemingly didn't take to chasing on debut at Chepstow last month. Tongue strap on first time. In good hands but comes with risks attached at present.

Fair maiden hurdler in Ireland but was a bit below that level sent chasing when third in a Downpatrick maiden in July. No signs of improvement in 2 starts for new yard, beaten when falling late on when last seen at Leicester in December.

Produced a determined display to get off the mark over smaller obstacles at Newcastle (2½m) in January and improved on that form when good second of 12 in handicap hurdle at Southwell (2½m, good to soft, 11/4) 39 days ago. Must enter calculations on chase debut.

Poor winner at 21f over hurdles who was below form on second attempt in this sphere at Hereford in March. Cheekpieces on for first time. Likely best watched.

Showed promise at Newcastle on hurdles bow in February 2025 but has failed to progress and made an unpromising start over the larger obstacles at Bangor in March. Now tried in blinkers.

Runner-up sole outing in Irish points and improved on hurdles form at first time of asking in this sphere when third of 5 in handicap chase at Fontwell (2¾m, good to soft) 36 days ago. Holds solid claims with Sean Bowen aboard.

Point winner but he hasn't pulled up many trees since embarking on a career under Rules, well held over hurdles at Bangor latest. Others more appealing.

Remains a maiden after 24 NH runs and arrives on back of below-par effort at Hereford 38 days ago.

Little show over hurdles/fences, looking increasingly temperamental. 8 lb out of the handicap here and readily opposed.