My Timeform: Three chasers to note

Cheerful Chap (Timeform rating c107+)

Runner-up, 2¼ mile novice handicap chase, Clonmel, Tuesday 3 December

Cheerful Chap, a dual winner over hurdles last season, is able to run off a lower mark over fences and is of interest in this sphere following a promising reappearance at Clonmel. Cheerful Chap was never far off the pace and went upsides at the second last but couldn't go with the winner on the run to the final fence and was ultimately beaten by five and a half lengths in second. There was no shame in finding the unexposed winner too strong and Cheerful Chap looks up to defying this sort of mark over fences, particularly as he's entitled to be sharper with this comeback under his belt.

Saint Davy (c138p)

Third, Esher Novices' Chase, Sandown, Friday 6 December

The second running of this Grade 2 attracted a strong-looking field featuring a trio that had already shown plenty over fences and two newcomers that look the type to make better chasers than hurdlers, in particular the third Saint Davy. Saint Davy developed into a useful hurdler last season, winning handicaps at Ludlow and Sandown, but he's a well-made gelding and very much a chaser on looks. Connections seemingly hold him in high regard to start him at this level and he showed more than enough to suggest he's capable of winning races in this sphere, just caught out by the downhill fence both times but otherwise jumping solidly. This experience won't be lost on him and he'll improve next time.

Waterford Whispers (c139p)

Runner-up, 2½m beginners' chase, Navan, Saturday 7 December

This was a strong maiden chase which is likely to prove a rich source of winners in the coming weeks. Waterford Whispers, a chasing type on looks, was unable to land a glove on the impressive Ile Atlantique, but he shaped very well in second, matching the pick of his useful hurdles form at the first time of asking over fences. Waterford Whispers jumped soundly, travelled well and kept on under a hands-and-heels ride without being able to seriously challenge a talented rival who was placed in two Grade 1s in novice hurdles last season. Waterford Whispers is entitled to build on this encouraging introduction to chasing and it shouldn't be long before he's off the mark in this sphere.