Scored once each for both Donald McCain and Oliver Sherwood and has repeated that for current trainer, doing so at Fakenham (2m½f, good) in October. Appeared to be the trip rather than the 4lb rise that beat him at Southwell next time, so with 7lb claim to come off and a return to this trip he has solid claims.
0-12 career profile, those has made the frame on all five starts for current yard. Ran well enough from 4lb lower on Boxing Day at Huntingdon to suggest that he can have a say on only his second chase start.
Sole success was when springing a surprise in a Huntingdon maiden hurdle last year, but failed to complete in two starts over fences so far. Was going well enough here when falling last time and not ruled out from same mark with if going clear.
Point-to-point winner who has made the frame both in a bumper and a novices' hurdle on good to soft. Chase debut here on Boxing Day was not without encouragement and a 2lb drop won't do any harm, so can do better still today.
2lb lower than when winning for the only time in a Bangor handicap hurdle (heavy) 11 months ago, though perhaps more significantly 6lb lower than when making a good fist of it on his Newcastle chase debut over an inadequate trip in December. Was never travelling at Uttoxeter last time, but if you can forgive that he looks to have a good chance over a much more suitable trip.
Non-Runners
3
Breath Of Blighty46
Weight: 11-9| Age: 6
T: P R Webber J: R P McLernon
NR
5
Ulis De Vassy39
Weight: 11-4| Age: 9
T: Laura Morgan J: Non Runner
NR
Forecasts
Movie Legend (15/8), Scooter Boy (3/1), Karisma King (10/3), Salto Chisco (5/1), Breath Of Blighty (6/1), Nobel Leader (8/1), Ulis De Vassy (25/1)
Doubts prevail about plenty of these and perhaps it will be the turn of KARISMA KING to win for the first time over fences. He certainly looks to be running from an attractive mark now stepped back up to a more suitable trip and we can forgive him his last effort. Salto Chisco has to concede weight all around but should still go well now that he is also returned to a more suitable distance, while Breath Of Blighty and Scooter Boy could be in the mix.