Waitrose Handicap Chase

Never been the most consistent but capable of good handicap form when the mood takes him. Now 1lb lower than last win (at Cheltenham, April 2016), trip and ground fine so chances if on a going day.

Has won his share in France (for another yard) and a winner first time up at Wetherby for his new yard too, despite idling on the run-in and only just holding on in the end. Still on a workable mark if his jockey can persuade him forward again.

Winner of two of his six chase starts, and did win first time up after a break last year, so absence no issue. The sort to find a bit more this year, so with trip, track and ground all ideal, should be up to playing a part in this.

Steady improvement last year saw him win two of his six starts, and although he was disappointing on his final run behind American at Uttoxeter, that's best forgiven. Track and trip both fine but may want softer ground than is likely here.

Has some classy handicap form to his name but a little disappointing on seasonal debut here three weeks ago given his good record fresh. Needs to bounce back after that, although on a good mark if he can. Not ruled out of a tricky heat.

High class (if a little frustrating) novice chaser back in 2015/2016 but some big gaps on his CV and didn't really show enough on his reappearance here three weeks ago. Clearly on a good mark but a leap of faith required to get with him now.

Pops up now and then and no questioning he's on a workable mark, being 2lb lower than his last win, and might have a bit more improvement over fences to come after a staying-on fifth at Newbury last time. Can't be ruled out, with conditions to suit.

Did come good at Sandown in April but is rather hard to win with, although this small field will suit. May be biting off a bit more than he can chew on seasonal reappearance here, and others make more appeal.