Couldn't quite reel in the winner Coo Star Sivola when beaten a neck in the Ultima Handicap Chase (3m1f, heavy) at Cheltenham in March; pulled up in the Grand National thereafter; made a modest return from wind surgery at Warwick (7/4f) in January.
Nose winner of this race on heavy ground in 2018 (gamely held off Cultram Abbey); finished 12th of 24 to Pacha Du Polder in the Cheltenham Foxhunters' thereafter, and also completed in the Aintree version (ninth of 21 to Balnaslow).
A welcome winner for this trainer when back to winning ways in the Men's Open at Friars Haugh recently (is now qualified for the Aintree Foxhunters'); has more on his plate back under rules in a competitive race.
Forecasts
Shantou Flyer (8/15), Sir Jack Yeats (10/3), Mr Mercurial (11/2), Purcell's Bridge (33/1)
SHANTOU FLYER probably needed his comeback race at Warwick last month and on official ratings has plenty in hand on today's rivals. Anything remotely near a repeat of his Cheltenham Festival second to Coo Star Sivola (Ultima Handicap Chase) will see him come out comfortably on top of the 2018 race winner Sir Jack Yeats.