Howden Novices' Limited Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Useful winning French hurdler but failed to justify market support when well held in the Fred Winter. Not disgraced in face of a stiff task when fifth of 6 in Grade 2 there on chase bow last month and is sure to build on that considerate start. Hood on switched to a handicap.

Three-time hurdles winner who found improvement, on second start in this discipline, when taking 3-runner handicap chase at Warwick (16.2f, soft) a month ago, jumping soundly from the front. 7 lb rise perfectly fair with prospect of further progress.

Off mark in Irish points at second attempt and had little trouble landing first 2 starts in maiden/novice hurdles. Possible he overdid things when pulled up in Grade 2 in March and solid if unspectacular start to chase career during the autumn, second of 6 on handicap bow at Lingfield latest.

Point/bumper/hurdles winner who had been handicapped out of things over fences initially but down in the weights and much more like it with a brace of runner-up efforts last month, latterly at Doncaster (19f), Way he shaped that day suggests 2m will suit.