Unibet Middle Distance Chase Series Veterans' Handicap Chase

Won a trio of handicap chases in 2023, notably the Old Roan at Aintree. Matched that form when fourth at Punchestown in May but hard to draw many positives from both comeback outings this autumn. Down in class now and headgear applied back from a break.

Three of his four wins over fences for Fergal O'Brien were gained at Newbury, including a Grade 3 handicap back in March 2022. Shaped as if retaining plenty of ability after almost 2 years off at Cheltenham but failed to come on for that at Chepstow 3 weeks ago.

Likeable sort though was seen to good effect when making a winning return at Carlisle last month and looks vulnerable up 6 lb in better race.

Enhanced healthy strike rate over fences with a tidy success on return at Wincanton and as good as ever when defying a 3 lb rise at Cheltenham last month. That was his third straight win in a veterans event so he must be respected.

Strong-travelling sort who tends to find little, as shown when seventh of 12 in handicap chase at Leopardstown (17f, good to soft, 25/1) 22 days ago. Others more likely.

Big improver for this stable after wind surgery, making it 4-4 when overcoming mistakes to edge ahead close home in Eider at Newcastle. However, was pulled up in the Scottish National on final run of last season and reappearance effort was pretty low-key. Likely to find this trip too sharp.

Winner of handicaps at Wetherby and Leicester on first 2 runs of last season. Ended that campaign with a heavy defeat in the Topham at Aintree's Grand National meeting and below par both starts this term, markedly so at Newbury last time.

Took advantage of a drop in weights to score for the first time in over 2 years at Uttoxeter in May and picked up where he left off when following up at Chepstow on return. Beaten only by a well-handicapped one at Ascot since and of strong interest dipping into veterans company for the first time.

Returned to something like his best form when creditable second at Doncaster. Trip too far there next time but may find this too competitive.

A fairly useful chase winner for Stuart Crawford in Ireland and returned to his best for current yard when scoring at Warwick and Carlisle in October. Excuses next 2 starts before bouncing back when second at Haydock 18 days ago. This tougher.