Kempton

Responded well to blinkers earlier in the year, winning a pair of 20.4f handicap chases here. Ended his campaign with a creditable fifth at Sandown in April. Blinkers are left off on return.

Useful hurdler and quickly reached a similar standard over fences last season. Good record fresh and his stable is among the winners so there are reasons to be hopeful.

Both wins over fences gained at Kempton, including returning from a 5-month break to win this race last year. Reappears after a similar length of absence this time and he's only 1 lb higher than 12 months ago. Much respected.

Returned to form when second at Bangor (17f) in May but 4 lesser efforts have followed. Jumped and hung right from the off at Kelso last time so this return to a right-handed track may help but he's hard to be confident about.

Won at Doncaster in January 2024 but see only twice since, pulling up at Punchestown when last seen in May. The betting is perhaps the best guide to expectations having been off for a further 171 days (has had wind surgery).

Smart chaser for Willie Mullins. Had a mixed first season with this yard but he did shape with some encouragement when third in 3m Ascot handicap when last seen in March. Back down in trip on return from 6 months off.