Carlisle

Largely creditable efforts over hurdles/fences since joining this yard, making it 3-6 in this sphere when driven out to land a 5-runner handicap at Ludlow (2m, good) last month. 5 lb rise may not be enough to prevent him from completing the hat-trick.

Fairly useful form over fences in France and, having shown encouragement on first chase start for current yard in November, he hit the target at Newcastle (16.3f, good to soft) 2 months later. Second in a 4-runner handicap over the same C&D next time and possibilities here off the same mark.

In fine form since September, runner-up at Sedgefield and Southwell before winning 4 on the bounce over hurdles/fences at the former course. Thwarted in his bid for the five-timer when last seen in December and now 8 lb above last winning mark but he will nevertheless be a threat if fully tuned-up.

Back-to-back winner at Hexham last spring and added to his tally when striking over C&D on his seasonal reappearance in October. However, form has dipped since and there no signs of an imminent revival at Newcastle a fortnight ago.

Useful handicap chaser at best but little impact in handful of starts for Gordon Elliott and he's not looked a winner in waiting in 5 starts for current connections. Others preferred.