Hurdle wins over two miles at Uttoxeter in June and two miles and four furlongs at Sedgefield in September show useful versatility, with both coming on good ground. He finished sixth in a Class 3 hurdle at Cheltenham on 23 October, beaten eight and three quarter lengths over two miles and half a furlong. The switch to fences has some pedigree encouragement, as his sibling Flower Of Scotland has won in this discipline. Harry Skelton's 17 winners from 45 rides in the past fortnight are another positive.

Comes here after winning a Class 2 hurdle at Market Rasen on 26 September over two miles and half a furlong on good ground. That gives him a sound recent platform for this two-mile chase, although he must translate that hurdle ability to the larger obstacles. His April second at Ludlow, beaten a length and three quarters over two miles on good ground, also points to suitable conditions. Sam Twiston-Davies arrives in good form, with seven winners from 34 rides in the past fortnight.