2-40 says plenty about his ability to win races and he as been on a rapid slide in the weights in the past year, dropping two grades but still being unable to add to his sole chasing success. Stays well enough and conditions no problem. Support would make him more interesting but otherwise not one to trust.
Sole win was over 2m7½f on heavy ground, so faster ground and a shorter trip has to be a concern. 6lb lower than his last chase, which gives him a bit more of a chance, but not one to be emptying the wage packet on.
Won a point-to-point last year and has been runner-up in three hurdles since. Has dropped a total of 10lb for four chase defeats and third different type of headgear added this time. Previous two have helped in the short term, so can't be totally ruled out with conditions not a problem.
Has won two chases here over 2m on good/fast ground and his last two chasing successes have both been from a mark of 118. Way below that going into this, but that is because he has been unable to reproduce that sort of form for this trainer and looks one to take on again.
Good ground Bangor handicap hurdle winner from a mark of 100 in 2015, but well beaten on all but one start since for both Charlie Mann and current yard. Dropped 5lb for hefty defeat on chase debut last time and looks to have plenty to find.
17 months since he won a Cheltenham handicap chase from a mark of 102, but his power looks to be on the wane judged on all five starts in 2017 and seems to want softer ground these days too. Hard to recommend despite this attractive-looking mark.
Three years since she won a chase from 6lb higher, her only subsequent success being from 3lb lower at Worcester last spring. Trip looks ideal and yard getting a reputation for getting the best out of its mares. Has won when fresh and a market check is suggested.
Beaten a long way on all three completed chase starts and pulled up last time. Talented trainer will eek out any ability that this gelding has, but it may take a bit of time yet.
Was placed a couple of times over hurdles, but the early signs were not good when switching to chasing, pulling up in his first three starts. More like it last time out when completing for third over this trip (good) at Huntingdon and a further 3lb drop here will help. Blinkers swapped for visor.
Two years since his sole chasing success at Wincanton (1m7½f, good), which was from a 24lb higher mark. No surprise to see him racing from a pitch of 77 though, after some poor form since. Best effort for a long time when back over fences at Newton Abbot last month, but still not easy to fancy.
2lb higher than winning for the only time in 25 chases, at Leicester in November (2m4f, firm). Well beaten on all but one start since and while he may come back to form, there is too much guesswork involved to recommend him.
Forecasts
Sage Monkey (11/4), Murray Mount (9/2), Hepijeu (5/1), Jonagold (7/1), Thady Quil (8/1), All But Grey (10/1), What Larks (12/1), Lord Landen (16/1), Princesse Fleur (16/1), Ulis De Vassy (25/1), Next Exit (25/1)
A desperate contest where PRINCESSE FLEUR is suggested given that she has won when fresh and has won from a 6lb higher mark. Significant support for any of them would be interesting, but without that knowledge Thady Quil may be involved, Hepijeu would have claims if appreciating this grade and Jonagold is a potential danger.