Early casualty at Aintree on final start of last season and finished well beaten in a valuable handicap chase at Cheltenham (2m, heavy) last month on his return to action. Bit to prove at present.
Beaten 28L when third in a competitive Grade 3 handicap chase at Newbury (2m4f, soft) in March 2017 when last in action. Had wind surgery since but others make more appeal on return from a lengthy absence.
Handicap mark is falling following a couple of heavy defeats this campaign most recently when 26L fourth over 2m at Carlisle (soft) earlier this month. Races off a mark 2lb lower than for his most recent victory.
C&D winner was in good form last season winnng two of his four starts in novice chases including over an extended 2m at Newcastle (good-to-soft) in January. Handicap and seasonal debut here and has run well off higher marks over hurdles in the past.
Promising 6L fifth in a 2m4f handicap chase at Newbury (good-to-soft) when making his seasonal debut earlier this month. One to note having been beaten ½L off this mark over 2m1f at Ascot (soft) in December last year.
Placed on all five starts since winning a novice hurdle at Newbury last November. Beaten 4L when third over 2m2f at Kempton (good) last time out and looks likely to run well once more.
Good 6L second in a novices' handicap chae over an extended 2m at Ayr (good) in April. Weakened two out over an extended 2m3f on good-to-soft ground here on seasonal debut last month and is likely to have improved for that outing.
Forecasts
Ecu De La Noverie (7/4), Dustin Des Mottes (2/1), Nuts Well (8/1), Duke Of Navan (9/1), Hawk High (12/1), Hollywoodien (12/1), Niven (14/1)
DUSTIN DES MOTTES ran well on seasonal debut and he can register a first victory since joining this stable from France by taking this small field handicap chase. Ecu De La Noverie has run well on both starts this campaign and he can register another placed effort by finishing runner-up ahead of Niven who receives weight from all of his rivals and is likely to have improved for last months seasonal reappearance.