C&D winner who never really got going last time out before unseating his rider in a Listed Handicap chase at Haydock won by Bristol De Mai. Uncharacteristic error there and gets his optimum conditions here having won this last year off 5lb lower but there wouldn't appear to be a lot of scope from a handicapping perspective.
Consistent sort who ran well over C&D in December finishing third in a Listed race. Handicapper seems to be on a level playing field with him now but likely to put up another decent effort and any softening of conditions would help.
Not seen since the Cheltenham Festival last year when finishing seventh of nine. Likely to need this run after a significant absence but is a C&D winner who looks versatile conditions wise and on a fair mark so would be an interesting player if he were ready to go.
Not won since 2015 but plenty of seconds in that time and handicapper given him a real chance now. One of the few finishers behind Bristol De Mai at Haydock last time and bits of promise in that run. No doubt he'll get his conditions here and has run well at the course before so very much capable of winning if he bounces back.
All his best performances have come on soft/heavy ground and trainer does well with her runners here. Well-handicapped on old form and the veteran is capable on his day so another one with claims.
Not the most fluent of jumpers but not as exposed as some of these and may have some scope from a handicapping perspective. Doesn't look entirely straightforward so may be best watched up in Grade.
Bolted up last time when only two finished at Hereford in heavy ground. Operating from 5lb out of the handicap though and would only be of interest if there's a deluge.
Forecasts
Chef D'Oeuvre (9/4), Sausalito Sunrise (9/2), Go Conquer (5/1), Tenor Nivernais (6/1), Virak (6/1), O'Faolains Boy (8/1), Cloudy Too (12/1)
VIRAK has been given some lenient treatment from the handicapper and has run well here before so he's taken to get the better of Tenor Nivernais who's consistency gives him a chance here. Any market support for O'Faolains Boy should be noted returning from a lengthy absence.
1. Virak
2. Tenor Nivernais
3. O'Faolains Boy