Star Pubs And Bars Handicap Chase

Looking very well handicapped on the best of his form at present, was a bit off the pace when last seen but a key point is that he's often won after a break, which makes him look very interesting today. Conditions fine and can go well.

Early unseat at Bangor last time won't have helped his confidence and although his placed efforts in the summer read well enough, he's yet to win at this trip and seems happier over shorter. Others preferred.

On a fair mark these days and ran well enough when last seen, tried to make all at Cartmel but worn down late. Not seen since May but has won fresh before, so absence not an issue, and will be dangerous if allowed too much rope up front.

Well into the veteran stage now and although the handicapper is giving him a chance these days, he doesn't seem able to take advantage. Conditions here are fine, but not that hard to look elsewhere for the winner,

Winner of one of his nine chase starts, that coming at Carlisle in March. Possibly unlucky when a final fence faller here in April and still looks on a winnable mark, so it's a question of how fit he is after a break.

Have to go back a couple of years to find the last time he got his head in front but has at least looked like he's on the way back on his last couple of runs here. Needs another step forward but place chances if he can.

Early faller at Hexham last time but had previously run well over C&D, a run that gives him hope here, but inconsistency has crept into his work and overall strike rate is very modest.