Owen Thomas Memorial Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Fairly useful winner over both hurdles and fences for Dan Skelton. Yet to make a significant impact for current yard but did stop the slide when fifth of 8 in 2m handicap at Warwick on most recent outing, a couple of errors prevent him from doing better still. Now needs to build on that.

Free-going front-runner who goes particularly well at Sedgefield, notching second success at that course in September. Mixed back since however, coming out on the wrong side of a match when turned over at 1/3 at Hereford latest. Hood refitted but unlikely to get an easy time up front.

Landed a third win for Tom Lacey with a smooth success in handicap hurdle at Newton Abbot (17f) in August. Found his good run of form coming to a halt at Kempton in November and now makes a belated switch to chasing, with little in his pedigree suggesting it will suit.

Dual point winner who confirmed his opening mark a fair one when second of 9 in 19f handicap hurdle at Taunton (19f) in March. Disappointed back over hurdles at Bangor last week, however, and likely to face competition for the lead.

Bagged a fourth win last season at Worcester in August. Found good run of form coming to a halt at Lingfield in November but appeals as the type to bounce back following a break and breathing operation.