The seven-year-old produced a messy round of jumping on chasing debut at Newton Abbot in October to finish second behind Complete Unknown and was handed the win at Exeter subsequently when his sole rival pulled up. Second in the Grade 1 Mersey Novices' Hurdle at Aintree in 2022, Harry Fry's charge produced some commendable efforts in open handicap company last season including when fourth in the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle.

"This is obviously his third start over fences. He made the most of a match opportunity the last day, but it was still good experience nonetheless," said Fry.

"We take the step up in grade, hopefully he puts in a good round of jumping and if he does that then I'd hope he'll have every chance.

"There's not much between the four runners, he deserves to be in there for sure and hopefully he'll give a good account of himself."

Venetia Williams' Djelo heads the market in search of a hat-trick, having recorded an easy victory at Newbury on his last start. He will be joined by Unexpected Party, who failed to get involved in the Grade One Henry VIII Novices' Chase at Sandown a fortnight ago. Trained by Dan Skelton, the grey gelding appeared to enjoy the hustle and bustle of a big field handicap when finishing fifth in the Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham prior.

"He's come out of Sandown very well. He didn't figure prominently in the Henry VIII, and this is not a dissimilar type of race, so he's got a lot to do to win but he deserves his place in these types of races," said Skelton.

"They're not getting massively supported so if we've got one, we're going to run them. He's gone well at Ascot before so there are no negatives there."

Paul Nicholls' Kandoo Kid, a winner of a Newbury handicap chase at the start of the month, will complete the quartet.