Aintree 17:45 Odds Comparison

Hasn't always found much when push comes to shove but belatedly got off the mark in this sphere at Kempton in March. Sound run on the figures when second at Market Rasen last time but he did look to get outbattled.

Cashed in on a much-reduced mark at Wetherby in December and has remained in excellent heart since, a veterans chase win at Exeter in March flanked by runner-up efforts. Shaped particularly well at Haydock latest and very interesting with Cobden taking over.

Shaped as though in need of the run on February's return from 9 months off and much more like it when adding to tally in 5-runner contest at Newcastle a month ago, well on top finish. This is a slightly better race but he's fresh and in form.

Won in the mud at Uttoxeter (2½m) in January and took form to a new level when doubling tally over fences at Bangor in first-time blinkers 4 weeks ago, kept up to work. Up 6 lb but he demands respect.

Resumed winning ways (in first-time tongue tie) on third run for present yard at Musselburgh on New Year's Day and continued the excellent work for latest success at Kelso 25 days ago, driven out. Up 5 lb in a better race but he needs considering.

Ran well when second in 5-runner handicap at Bangor last spring but struggled for form afterwards. Slid a long way in the weights and expected to step up on last month's return.

Healthy strike rate over fences but never really looked like landing veterans event at Haydock for the second time last month. This looks a shade easier and cheekpieces may help him travel with a bit more purpose.

Landed a gamble when seen to good effect upped to 21.5f at Market Rasen in September. Couple of heavy defeats after but back on his game when second at Hereford a month ago, making effort earlier than ideal.

Signed off for Stuart Crawford with breakthrough chase win at Carlisle last spring. Record for this yard since has been rather patchy, good second at Bangor followed by a heavy defeat at Haydock, albeit in a better race than this.