Bangor-on-Dee

Successful in 2 of his 4 starts over fences, latest when taking 11-runner handicap at Uttoxeter (24f, good to soft) 26 days ago, impressively. Raised 12 lb since but is a must for any shortlist.

Winning Irish pointer who made it third time lucky over hurdles at Ffos Las in May and improved on that when scoring on handicap/chase debut at Taunton (23f) in December. Back on the up when second at Wetherby (24.2f, good) latest and must enter calculations. Wears first-time cheekpieces.

Got no further than first in Scottish National latest but had confirmed himself in good heart when a close second at Warwick (24f) previously and remains nicely treated on old form.

Dropping down the weights and arrives on back of creditable third of 12 in handicap chase at Aintree (25f, good, 25/1) 19 days ago, going in snatches. Player if in same form here.

Finally off the mark in novice handicap chase at Uttoxeter (26.1f) in January. Isn't the most convincing with either his attitude or jumping, though, and ran below form back there in February. Placed twice since but finds himself in better comapny here.

Ended long losing run in 5-runner minor event chase (5/1) at Sandown (24.2f, good to soft) 70 days ago, going with enthusiasm. In a much deeper contest now, though, and others appeal more.

Not scored since 2022 and arrives on back of below-par effort at Tramore (21.7f, good to soft) 11 days ago. Cheekpieces back on. Others more persuasive.

Resumed progress when landing the 3m Rowland Meyrick at Wetherby on Boxing Day but poor efforts in a trio of handicaps since and has something to prove now.

Now 4 lb below last winning mark and performed with credit on a couple of occasions last year, notably when runner-up at Uttoxeter on the first of his 4 appearances in 2024. Back from 9 months off when third at Kelso (23.4f, good) 17 days ago and should strip fitter for that outing.

Drew a blank over hurdles for current connections but upped his game sent chasing last season, scoring at Ffos Las (19.4f) and Fakenham (21.2f). However, well held since and looks best watched for time being.

Enhanced good Worcester record with a win in June. Below that level next 3 starts, however, and makes limited appeal back from 6 months off here.

Good strike rate over jumps earlier in his career. Largely struggled in recent seasons, though, and has ran poorly the last twice, including in first-time cheekpieces at Hereford last month.