Kelso

Has fine record in this race, winning it in 2023 and placed in both the last 2 renewals, though isn't as quick as he once was and tends to need further these days, as evidenced by his win over an extended 3m at Carlisle last season. Goes well fresh but others preferred for win purposes.

Useful chaser who boasts an impressive strike rate despite being prone to mistakes over fences and arrives on a hat-trick after winning handicaps at Newton Abbot in August and Stratford in September. Up another 4 lb and faces sterner opposition here, though.

Runner-up in this race last year from a 1 lb lower mark and later successful at Wetherby during a consistent spell. Returns with the yard in good form and should be thereabouts.

Bounced back to winning ways with a comfortable success in 6-runner handicap at Ayr in March and was just starting to struggle when wiped out at the Canal Turn in the Topham Chase at Aintree when last seen in April. Has won over C&D before but is no battler and this looks too competitive.

Handicap chase winner at Punchestown for Gavin Cromwell last summer. Gradually found his form for current yard, placing on 4 occasions, and shaped better than the result when 11¾ lengths third of 7 to Heltenham at Perth last time after mistake 3 out. Had a breathing operation ahead of return.

Defied a double penalty to land a 10-day hurdles hat-trick in the spring and made it third time lucky over fences when landing 5-runner Uttoxeter handicap last time by 18 lengths from Bleu D'Enfer. Up 10 lb but fourth that day has won since and receives his 4-y-o allowance. The one to beat.