Newbury

Addition of blinkers reignited his spark when seeing off 21 rivals in the Pertemps Final at the Cheltenham Festival. Ran at least as well from a 6 lb higher mark when fifth of 21 at Aintree the following month and bound to be thereabouts if in the same form on this return to action.

Recorded a third C&D success in February. Ran creditably when fifth to the reopposing Monmiral in the Final of this series at Cheltenham the following month and it would be no surprise to see another good run back from 7 months off.

Recorded a hat-trick in novice handicaps chases last season, including a Grade 2 at Ascot. Pulled up in National Hunt Chase on final outing but not dismissed lightly back over hurdles on this return from 8 months off.

Big improver when stepped up to 2½m+ last season, winning 5 on the spin and picked up where he left off when scoring with plenty in hand on his return at Newton Abbot (16.8f) last week, coping well with the return to 2m. Has obvious claims under a 7-lb penalty back up appreciably in distance.

Resumed winning ways in a first-time tongue strap at Cheltenham last November but ended last season on a low note and, although he stepped up on his reappearance at aforementioned venue last time, he was still some way below his best.