12/1
Enthusiastic front runner. Saw off a well-backed handicap newcomer to land first hurdling success at Sedgefield in March. Easy to mitigate for subsequent end-of-season effort at Carlisle. Yard’s jumpers generally going well and could have a say if his exuberance is kept in check on return.
9/2
Showed more than previously in this sphere when 9½-length third in first-time hood on handicap debut at Fontwell (2¼m) latest. The slightly longer trip can only benefit, for all his pedigree/pointing background suggests he may want further still.
6/1
Showed some promise in bumpers last winter. Seemingly being brought along steadily over hurdles by top yard, down the field on reappearance/qualifying run at Worcester (250/1). First-time hood applied for step back up in trip and likely significant that Harry Skelton takes over on handicap debut.
28/1
Showed definite ability in a couple of Wincanton maidens (soft/heavy) in January. Gave it a good go from the front when well-held third at Newton Abbot (2¾m) final start last season, and he’s edging toward a more realistic mark.
7/1
In good form over hurdles last season, including success in small-field handicap at Huntingdon (19.5f, heavy) in February. Only 1 lb above that winning mark following a pipe-opener at Chepstow earlier this month, and he looks set to go well with good-value claimer again aboard.
14/1
Has fallen a long way in the weights since his last success at Market Rasen (2¼m) in September 2024. Attracted support at long odds/fared no better than of late when beaten 18½ lengths in first-time cheekpieces (now removed) at the same track last time. Dropped further 3 lb here.
9/1
Split a couple of subsequent winners in a small-field event at Fakenham on latest hurdle start in March. Well served by longer trip when off the mark in first-time tongue strap on chasing debut at Plumpton (3¼m) the following month. Now back hurdling over much shorter and may be sharper for a run.
33/1
Little impact in bumper/maiden hurdle runs in Ireland. Similar story in a couple of handicap starts for up-and-coming yard, jumping markedly left when pulled up at Worcester (2m, 22/1) latest.
5/1
Long-standing maiden who placed on 4 of his final 5 starts of last season, including behind a progressive one here (2¾m) in March. That form reads well in the context of this race, and he makes appeal for a stable who has sent out a few reappearance winners in recent weeks.
17/2
Long-standing maiden who finished runner-up to a fair sort over C&D this summer. Has been shaping up better than the bare result in handicaps more recently, too, latterly when well-held third at Hereford. Weighted to be in the hunt for another in-frame finish.
9/2
Free-going 5-y-o. Fared no better for the switch to a handicap (despite being tighter in the betting) when beaten 25¾ lengths here (2m) in March. Another breathing operation/slightly longer trip are only hopeful catalysts for improvement on return.