Propel Finance Novices' Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Fairly useful hurdler who has taken well to fences, making it 2-3 in this sphere when landing a small-field Worcester handicap (23f, good to soft) in July. Was rather workmanlike that day having neither travelled nor jumped particularly well, but 4 lb rise fair and he's a key player nonetheless.

Maiden hurdle winner at Chepstow in April and this former point winner has shaped well switched to fences with cheekpieces enlisted the last twice, making the frame in a couple of 23f Worcester handicap chases. Likely to be on the premises once again.

Winner of one of his 8 starts over hurdles and did the job well when scoring on chase debut at Stratford (22.6f, good) in May. However, his jumping has been far from on-point in 2 subsequent appearances, latterly finishing last of 9 in the Uttoxeter handicap won by Jet Smart.

Progressive over hurdles last term, winning 3 times, and looked set to make a successful start over fences before some ragged late jumping caught her out at Plumpton in May. Runner-up in another small-field event at Market Rasen a month later and she needs to raise her game back from a break here.

Highly progressive over fences for Tim Vaughan, completing a four-timer in 9-runner handicap at Cartmel (25f, good to soft) in July. Going exuberantly in a clear lead until falling on debut for new connections at Uttoxeter last week and big chance here, provided that tumble hasn't left a mark.

Prolific between the flags and continued the good work back under Rules during the summer, winning 2½m handicap chases at Worcester and Uttoxeter. On the downside, he came up when short bidding for the hat-trick upped to 23f at the former course last time and the handicapper may now be in charge.