'He looks extremely well and is ready to provide high entertainment' - who fancies their chances in this staying handicap chase?
The ability to act on good, or even quicker ground, is going to be important, and Quick Draw ticks that particular box.
Nicky Henderson’s eight-year-old ran riot round right-handed Ludlow, a track which isn’t dissimilar to Wincanton, when extinguishing Volcano by 21 lengths last October..
He arguably produced an even better performance over this track in February, again making all to beat Manothepeople by two and a quarter lengths.
Although 5lb higher in the weights, he gives the impression there is more to come and could prove hard to peg back.
His tactical speed at this sort of trip could also give him a significant edge against several rivals who are out-and-out stayers with a preference for deep mud.
No Hubs No Hoobs, winner of his last three races, all on heavy ground, races off a career-high mark of 124. The twin factors of a weights rise and switch to much less testing conditions suggest he could prove vulnerable on his seasonal reappearance.
Course-and-distance winner Credo is interesting. Last seen when acquitting herself with credit to finish fifth of 21 behind The Gradual Slope at Punchestown in May, she kicks off her new campaign on a fair mark of 128 and acts well on good ground.
My Silver Lining, who enjoyed a wonderful campaign in long-distance chases last season, ideally requires a much stiffer test of stamina, but remains one to keep firmly on side when conditions are in her favour this winter.
Race analysis by Richard Birch
What they say
David Pipe, trainer of Remastered
He's in good form. He's obviously not getting any younger and, although his form last season tailed off a little bit, we wanted to give him another go because he's full of beans at home. He's dropped in the ratings because he's been running below par, but hopefully he can put his best foot forward.
Nicky Henderson, trainer of Quick Draw
He's a genuine stayer and won handicap chases at Ludlow and Wincanton last season. He's come back this season looking extremely well and ready to provide another season of high entertainment.
Emma Lavelle, trainer of My Silver Lining
She's doing really well and she's in great form. Her target is the Welsh National and I think the ground here should be safe enough for her. She seems to be pretty versatile on that and she had a big season last season, but she's come back in great form and I'm really looking forward to getting her out.
Alexandra Dunn, trainer of Deise Aba
He's in good form and the horses have been running brilliantly, but I think it's a very competitive race. We've had a lot of winners recently and the yard is going through a bit of a hot spell, so fingers crossed, but it will be a strong race.
Joe Tizzard, trainer of No Hubs No Hoobs
He finished last season lovely and he handles a bit of softer ground. We had a bit of rain at home on Friday, but hopefully it'll be genuine good ground. It's a lovely place to start him off, he's got good form at the track and we're happy.
Reporting by Liam Headd
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- Three things to note on Friday - Jonathan Harding casts his eye over the day's action
- 12.55 Ascot: Harry Fry hopeful 'exciting prospect' Gidleigh Park can strike on his chasing debut
- 2.05 Ascot: can Gemirande snare another chase the track for Venetia Williams and make a successful reappearance?
- Nicky Henderson bids for Ascot four-timer with Epatante relative and Jamie Spencer heads to Dundalk - Friday's punting pointers
- 6.30 Southwell: could Artistic Star be a class apart on his handicap debut in track's feature race?