'Thwarted hat-trick bid latest may have owed more to the 3m trip than the 5lb higher mark.'

'Second in this from out of the weights last year (soft), but pulled up the last twice.'

'Just missed out at Uttoxeter latest (2m4f, soft); a player if he's fully over that.'

'Key late mistakes on both chase starts (one here); becoming well treated but others safer.'

'2m4f bumper/3m maiden hurdle winner; some encouragement for fences in immediate family.'

'Splendidly handicapped but seemingly on the downgrade now; cheekpieces reached for.'

'Ought to have fared better latest with trip, track and ground all as suitable as today's.'

'3m chase debut winner here in October, but lacklustre on return visit; shorter trip fine.'

'Not gone on from okay stable/hurdles debut seventh; chase winners in pedigree, at least.'

'This is much easier than the class 3s of his last two starts; could still jump better.'