Stratford

Not the easiest to catch right but proved at least as good as ever after a 3-month break when winning 8-runner event at Market Rasen (17f, good to firm) 3 weeks ago. However, he rarely holds form for long and could face competition for lead this time. Opposable on balance.

Successful 5 times last year and better than ever when getting his head back in front in handicap at Newton Abbot (2m, good) 9 days ago, despite another mixed round of jumping. 6 lb higher now.

Has made a fine start over fences, registering a fourth success (including twice over C&D) when seeing off 5 rivals over 19f here 16 days ago. Even a further 5 lb rise may not stop him.

Fourth C&D success when seeing off 4 rivals (including Captain Cool) in July but he was reported to have broken a blood vessel when pulling up in the 19f race here won by Captain Cool just 16 days ago.

Useful over hurdles for Willie Mullins. Acquired by present connections for 64,000 gns and he fared better than on stable debut when third in 3m Uttoxeter novice handicap chase in July. Ran no sort of race back there since and now drops back markedly in trip.

Fairly useful winner over both hurdles and fences for Dan Skelton but has yet to fully fire for this yard, including a laboured effort when remote second of 4 over C&D 11 days ago.