Smart over both hurdles and fences, switching back to the former here after being pulled up in a Carlisle chase last time. Interesting, on ground that suits, and from a very competitive mark.
Won this race last year when 1lb higher. Well held both starts this autumn, but career record shows that he can put a poor run behind him and bounce back. Not ruled out.
6lb worse off with Aristo Du Plessis for a 6L beating by him in this last year. Has improved since, but like that reopposing rival, he is badly in need of a revival after his last two performances.
Has won around here, but most of his best form has been at around 2m4f and he will do well to win a competitive heat over this far from this high in the handicap.
Won on soft in France, though kept only to good ground both both Alan King and this trainer in the past 19-months. Best form would give her a chance, but last two starts leave plenty to be desired.
Dropped 6lb going into this handicap debut, and that looks a workable mark. Acts on deep ground. Interesting.
Forecasts
McGowan's Pass (9/4), Nuts Well (7/2), Cornerstone Lad (11/2), Aristo Du Plessis (8/1), Only Orsenfoolsies (8/1), Sakhee's City (17/2), Wakanda (9/1), Melody Of Scotland (33/1)
A decent contest, where McGowan's Pass and Cornerstone Lad both start out their handicapping careers from marks that could look lenient by the end of the race. However, the more experienced NUTS WELL also has plenty going for him from his current mark, now reverting to hurdles, and is given the nod. Aristo Du Plessis and Sakhee's City are others of interest.