Cotes de Paris Musselburgh

Much improved switched to fences with cheekpieces applied last season, winning twice. Latest second at Aintree (25f, good) just about a career-best and hard to grumble with a 1 lb rise for that. so there are good reasons to be optimistic about his prospects here.

Back from 7 months off with a good second in Thurles handicap chase in November. Built on that when narrowly prevailing at Punchestown (19.7f, good to soft) on New Year's Eve and while this 9 lb higher mark demands more, stepping back up in trip won't be an issue and he's unexposed as a chaser.

Landed small-field novices' handicap chase at Ludlow in autumn 2023. Sole subsequent success came in a Clonmel claiming hurdle in October but should add to that before long judged on his solid second back in this sphere in a Class 2 contest at this course (20.3f, good to soft) on New Year's Day.

Multiple winner for Philip Kirby in 2023/2024 and placed on a few occasions over fences for Lizzie Quinlan last spring. Positive start for new connections when runner-up in a C&D handicap just before Christmas but will need to raise his game if he's to go one better in this stronger race.

Won twice by healthy margins in the first half of last year, latterly taking a 4-runner Southwell handicap (24.2f, good to soft) in May. By no means disgraced when third of 11 back from a break at Newbury but stamina is his forte and a stiffer test would be preferable.

Made it to the racecourse just twice last season, failing to build on his creditable reappearance display when pulled up at Market Rasen last January. Absent since and this veteran tends to save his best for Kelso nowadays.

Much improved with a visor added and returned to positive tactics when a dominant winner (jumped superbly) of a Perth handicap chase last spring. However, he has completely misfired in 2 subsequent starts and now finds himself with a point to prove.