Cheltenham

Won this contest (off 3 lb lower) 12 months ago and arrives on back of creditable fifth of 23 in Kim Muir over C&D (good to soft) 34 days ago. Holds strong claims.

Off the mark over fences here (28.1f) 12 months ago and has acquitted himself well since, latest when 5¼ lengths third of 12 to Moroder in Grimthorpe Chase at Doncaster (26f, good, 11/2) 46 days ago. Likely contender.

Bounced back to form when taking 12-runner Grimthorpe Chase at Doncaster (26f, good) 46 days ago. Posted good second (off 4 lb lower) in this contest last term and another bold bid looks on the cards.

Largely consistent sort who made a bright start to this season when runner-up here in November and got back to that sort of form when narrowly held in Sandown handicap (24.2f, good to soft) 25 days ago. Should give another good account.

Smart chaser who took last season's Grimthorpe Chase at Doncaster and best effort since when fourth in 3m handicap back at that venue in December. Not been in quite same form more recently, though.

Capitalised on a drop in grade at Carlisle (20.9f) on return in December and back to that sort of form when creditable second of 8 in handicap chase at Newbury (26f, good to soft) 46 days ago. Warrants respect.

Useful hurdler. Ridden too aggressively on chase bow/final start for Willie Mullins. Decent effort sole start for Sophie Leech when third in maiden chase at Galway in August but hasn't fired yet for current yard.