Grandad Swales Happy 80th Birthday Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Chase

Still a maiden but returned to form when making the frame at Kilbeggan and Tramore recently but followed those efforts with a poor run at Downpatrick last week.

Responded well to a tongue strap when off the mark over hurdles here in April. Fitted with first-time cheekpieces and shaped well for a long way despite being pulled up on chasing debut at this course (3¼m, good, 7/2) in June. Placed in Irish points and should have more to offer in this sphere.

Eighteen runs since last win in 2024 but has rediscovered some consistency this year and looked set to justify favouritism when unseating rider 2 out at Fontwell in May. Pulled up here last time but may have had something in the way of an excuse. Can bounce back.

Opened his account over fences in 17f Market Rasen handicap chase in July on second start for yard. Shaped as if ahead of revised mark when fourth there last time, losing momentum with bad mistake 2 out. Back up in trip and remains one to be interested in.

Perth scorer last summer (for Ella Pickard) who narrowly failed to repeat that feat having slipped to the same mark there (3m, good to firm) last month, a tongue strap seemingly key to his recent revival. May find this trip shorter than ideal.