Returns from a spell of eight months. Concluded last campaign with a minor placing in the G1 Melling Chase steeplechase (4000m) at Aintree, beaten 3.5 lengths. Key runner while fresh.

Resumes after a break of eight months. Finished off last campaign with a sixth in a steeplechase (5000m) at Aintree, beaten 20 lengths. Must be included.

Returns after a spell of eight months. Opened the last campaign with a win in a steeplechase (5900m) at Ascot by 31 lengths, adding to a sound overall first-up record. Sure to make his presence felt.

Resumed in a steeplechase (5000m) at this track last start but failed to finish. Isn’t among the top hopes.

Back from a 226-day break. Finished off last campaign when 22nd in a steeplechase (4220m) at Aintree, beaten 77 lengths. Must include among the chances.

Was very good when returning from a 224-day layoff most recently, finishing a neck back in second on the flat at Goodwood over 3200m. Reliable jumper with seven wins and seven minor placings from 24 starts over the obstacles.

Returns from a spell of nine months. Concluded last campaign with a minor placing in a steeplechase (6800m) at Uttoxeter, beaten one length. Reliable type with six jumps wins to his name. Can return in winning form.

Didn't threaten last start beaten 10 lengths and finishing eighth in a steeplechase (5000m) at this track. Can't see him playing a major role on latest offering. Unlikely to feature given current form.

Not raced for nine months. Closed off last preparation when fourth in a LR (4800m) at Exeter, beaten 15 lengths. This looks tough and others preferred.

Was pretty poor resuming in a steeplechase (5000m) at this track last start after an ordinary finish to last campaign. Others much more appealing.