Deputy Dan returns at Carlisle

Oliver Sherwood is hoping Deputy Dan can get his jumping back in order when he returns to action in the Weatherbys Bank Graduation Chase at Carlisle this afternoon.

The seven-year-old lost his way over fences after getting off the mark over the bigger obstacles when making all the running at Plumpton 12 months ago and ended the campaign unseating his rider at Uttoxeter.

Sherwood has his fingers crossed Deputy Dan can transfer his excellent schooling at home to the track and return to the form he showed as a novice hurdler that saw him win the Leamington Hurdle at Warwick and finish second in the Albert Bartlett at the 2014 Cheltenham Festival.

"He had his issues at the backend of last season. His jumping wasn't up to scratch having started so well," said Sherwood.

"I've always felt Carlisle was a course for horses that have lost their confidence a bit. That's the reason for going up there and the ground will be superb.

"He'll need his first run, he's in good form and his schooling has been good at home. The proof of the pudding is going to be on the track.

"On his best hurdles form he'll take a lot of beating, but it's a look and learn exercise."

Deputy Dan's four rivals are headed by the Paul Nicholls-trained Salubrious, who has been absent since making a winning debut over fences 13 months ago.

Colin Tizzard's Masters Hill, Jennie Candlish's admirable performer Barafundle and Blakemount make up the quintet in the class two contest over an extended three miles.

Simon West is looking forward to giving Maximiser his first run over fences in the two-and-a-half-mile 188Bet Novices' Chase.

The seven-year-old has been sidelined since making it two from two over hurdles at Haydock last November.

"We think the world of him. I know we're chucking him in the deep end. I probably wanted an easy race to start him over fences but there aren't many around, so we'll see where we stand going forward," said the Middleham Moor handler.

"He had a little injury which is why he's had a year off. He's come back bigger and stronger and has matured well over the summer. We go there with a massive shout, I'd say.

"We always thought he'd be a chaser from the day we got him. He was always going to have just one year over hurdles.

"They do everything you ask at home, but when you put them on the track it's a different scenario. If he takes his homework and schooling to the track we're in for a big run."

Seeyouatmidnight was a class act in staying hurdles and trainer Sandy Thomson is excited ahead of the Rendlesham Hurdle winner's debut over fences.

"I'm just delighted to get him on the track. Obviously, he's going to come on for it," said the Berwickshire handler.

"I couldn't be happier with him. He's schooled very well and we'll see what happens.

"Going chasing is what we've been waiting for. He'll come on for it. We've been held up a bit as we haven't been able to get on the grass gallop, but he's been to the beach."

Completing the six-strong line-up are the Nicholls-trained Silsol, Tizzard's Kingscourt Native, U Name It and Veroce.