Newton Abbot

Still a maiden over fences, though was runner-up twice at Taunton last winter before making the frame on his next 2 outings. Yard are going well as he returns from 7-month break over longest trip he's tackled so far.

Put back-to-back second-placed finishes together at Ludlow early in the year but he's long been unpredictable and doesn't make much appeal on return from 130 days off.

Improved when off the mark under Rules here in August and continued to shape as if ahead of his mark prior to scoring again in a 3-runner event at Sedgefield (3¼m, good) 10 days ago (in cheekpieces). That rather fell apart but he's likely to remain on upward curve provided suspect jumping holds up.

Finally got off the mark under Rules in 10-runner handicap chase at Uttoxeter (3m) in June. Had the race run to suit there though and up 4 lb here.

Produced a career-best to win a 7-runner handicap chase at this C&D (good) 29 days ago, beating Flashy Boy by ½ length having produced a superior round of jumping to that rival. Not usually foot perfect himself and might not be certain to confirm placings despite more favourable terms.