Yet to win after six starts for current trainer, but ran creditably when seventh of 24 in the Grand Annual at the Cheltenham Festival. First run since April and might need the outing to bring him to his peak.
Won three chases for Henry De Bromhead in Ireland, but lost his form when last seen over a year ago, Returns from a long break off a greatly-reduced mark so it will be interesting to see if the market speaks for him.
Has won three of his last six starts over fences, but has been well beaten in the others, including when behind Exitas at Ascot last time. Could win or be nowhere based on recent evidence.
Good handicap hurdler in his prime who has been enjoying a new lease of life over fences and made it three wins from his last four starts at Ascot last time. Up 10lb, but is on a roll and has to be taken seriously.
Won a novice chase at this course in April, but things have not gone his way since and he had to be pulled up in a hot contest last time when his rider lost his irons after the horse blundered. Could be well handicapped if he gets his act together,
Useful hurdler who stepped up on his chasing debut to finish a close second at Ludlow last time. That does not look great form, though, and he has plenty to do in a handicap for the first time.
Won three handicap chases in a row early this year, but shot up the weights and has not been the same force since. Back down to his last winning mark, though, so not totally dismissed.
Forecasts
Exitas (3/1), Kapstadt (10/3), Doitforthevillage (13/2), Shanahan's Turn (13/2), Mick Thonic (15/2), Un Beau Roman (12/1), Bright New Dawn (12/1), Rock On Rocky (14/1), Festive Affair (20/1)
Exitas will be a popular choice after winning three of his last four starts over fences and has to go on the short list despite his rise up the weights. Better value may lie with MICK THONIC, however. He has shown enough to suggest he is nicely weighted and can put last time's bad experience behind him under his top-class jockey. It is hard to know what to expect from Festive Affair so the other one for the frame could be bottom-weight Rock On Rocky.