FBC Manby Bowdler 'Chasing Excellence' Beginners' Chase (GBB Race)

Runner-up on his only outing in Irish points. Positive profile over hurdles, scoring twice, but he's starting out over fences in a warm-looking event.

Placed in a Grade 1 novice over hurdles and is at least as good over fences, though has essentially been overfaced since his chase debut on return last season. Starts the new campaign back in much calmer waters.

Dual bumper winner and most progressive over hurdles since headgear went on, completing a hat-trick under another positive ride in Haydock Grade 2 in February. Failed to give his running in a Grade 1 at Aintree final start but this winning Irish pointer promises to be at least as good over fences.

Unbeaten in 2 bumpers last winter and going the right way over hurdles, supplementing his Taunton success in 4-runner novice at Ffos Las in February. Ran no sort of race in Aintree Grade 1 on final start but he's better than that. Makes chase debut.

Big chance on his useful hurdles form but hasn't convinced on both his starts over fences so far, badly let down by his jumping when last seen in this sphere 11 months ago.

Dual hurdles winner who made a winning return in that sphere at Newton Abbot last season. Similar form on 3 of his next 4 starts but others look more obvious chasing types.

Most progressive over hurdles last season, relishing the markedly longer trip when completing a hat-trick in the Albert Bartlett at the Cheltenham Festival. Aintree probably didn't play to his strengths but still ran well when third in Grade 1 next time. Looks the one to beat on chase bow.