Hereford Racecourse Ownership Club Handicap Chase

Sound start for new yard when second in Wincanton handicap chase in December and shaped as if still in form (may have finished second) when unseating 2 out at Fakenahm (29f) on New Year's Day. Respected.

Point winner. Seemed to show fair form when third on his Rules debut a year ago but hasn't reproduced it since, including pulling up on last 2 outings. First-time cheekpieces need to have a positive effect.

Pretty reliable since switched to fences and deservedly notched second success in this sphere when accounting for 10 rivals over C&D in November. Not at best when fourth at Catterick over Christmas but capable of bouncing back returned to a venue which clearly suits.

All the sharper for his reappearance when getting off the mark in 3m Huntingdon handicap 9 days ago. Ought to remain very competitive after a 5 lb rise.

Showed improved form when winning handicap chases at Taunton and Newton Abbot in April. Well held back hurdling in the autumn but may fare better now back over the smaller obstacles.

Better signs from his reduced mark when third in a chase at Worcester and hurdle at Ludlow this season. Has cheekpieces and a tongue tie combined for the first time now back over fences. Not discounted.

Both wins gained in handicap chases at Ludlow, latterly in October. Creditable third to Bretney over C&D in November and bounced back from a lesser effort here when third at Ludlow just before Christmas. Another who could play a part.

Modest operator who has just the one success to his name. Might have needed the run on his return from a long absence for new yard here (2½m) a month ago. Steps back up in trip now with a visor refitted. Would need to see market support to consider.

Scored off 5 lb higher at Plumpton last season but typically in-and-out after and well held on his Exeter reappearance on New Year's Day.

Poor hurdler for Olly Murphy. Did win twice in the pointing field last spring but ran poorly in a Taunton handicap chase on her Rules return at the end of December.