Volcan Surprise looks the type who could do well in handicaps and makes plenty of appeal at 13/2 on his first venture into that sphere in the 2.30 at Lingfield today.
The gelding has finished in the first four in all his seven starts over hurdles, including two when trained in France.
In one of those he was beaten just 2 lengths by Tango De Juilley who has since joined Venetia Williams and last season chased home Vendor at Newbury before finishing fourth of 6 to Grumeti at Cheltenham and is now officially rated 134.
That makes the selection look on a fair mark off 119, and he showed enough in five starts for Alan King last season to suggest he would have nor problem winning races.
The four-year-old put in one his his best efforts when chasing home Loose Chips in the mud at Towcester, where he stayed on well to be beaten just over 3 lengths after making some costly jumping errors.
The winner readily landed a handicap at Kempton yesterday off a mark of 120, and the form looks pretty strong in the context of this contest.
Another plus is that his handler has a 20% strike rate with his runners at the track in the past 12 months.
With proven form in testing conditions and Choc Thornton in the saddle a a huge run looks on the cards.
Daily Sport recommended bet: 2pts each-way Volcan Surprise (13/2 generally available – use BOG firms)