Front-runner; ran really well in defeat in the spring in first two handicaps (2m, good to soft/good) and did likewise when close second in Welsh Champion Hurdle (2m, good to soft) on reappearance; seems versatile ground-wise; half-brother to French 2m3f chase winner and could make another bold bid.
Won the Grade 2 novice hurdle on this card 12 months ago (1m7f, good to soft) and reappeared with a handicap win at Aintree (2m4f, good) last month; that latest form has been franked by the runner-up and he could play another leading role if conditions suit (might not want soft/heavy).
His losing run is up to nine races and he doesn't get much relief from the handicapper, but he reappeared with a promising third at Cheltenham (2m4f, good) last month in first-time cheekpieces (retained) and he may be able to build on that today; best form is on good/good to soft ground.
Inconsistent last term but posted good wins over C&D (heavy) and at Ayr (2m5f, soft), and he reappeared with very close third at Carlisle (2m4f, good to soft); this 5yo could still have more to offer for his top yard.
Beat useful sort when winning at Ascot (2m3f, good) last November on second hurdle start, and bumped into the highly talented mare Dysart Enos when clear second in Cheltenham novice (2m1f, soft) in December; absent since but has plenty of potential off opening mark and yard is among the winners.
Made very good start to hurdling career last term (on various ground) and back on song on his reappearance last month when winning the Silver Trophy at Chepstow (2m3f, good to soft) with something to spare under regular rider Jamie Neild; that form has worked out well; 7lb rise may not stop him.
11yo who makes second start back from a long layoff and needs to prove how much ability he retains; however, last month's 21l fourth over an inadequate 2m at Chepstow wasn't devoid of promise and he's very well handicapped on his 2021-22 form; 1-1 here and worth a second look now back up in trip.
He's raced just four times since winning the competitive Swinton Hurdle here in May 2022 off 5lb higher; returned from another break at Wetherby last Saturday and ran okay, but his claims aren't overly compelling today.
Made it 5-12 over hurdles when winning at Market Rasen (2m4f, good) in June; has also won on soft; however, he's failed to threaten on his last two starts and needs to raise his game in this competitive contest.
Lightly raced 6yo who tapped back into his early promise when third to Kamsinas at Aintree (2m4f, good) on last month's reappearance; open to further improvement now he's back on track and slower ground than last time may aid his cause; respected in first-time headgear.
Below par over fences/hurdles on his last three starts in the spring; however, he's well handicapped on both last season's chase form and his 2022-23 hurdling exploits, and returns to action with trainer in fine form.
Runner-up in Listed juvenile hurdle at Aintree (2m1f, heavy) last December on what was effectively his debut, then comfortably went one better at Chepstow (2m, good to soft); fair third in Uttoxeter novice (2m, good to soft) on last month's return; he could do with settling better now up in trip on handicap debut but he's bred to stay this far; interesting contender.
Five-time winner (various ground) who was a creditable fourth of 19 off this mark at Aintree (2m) in April; however, he makes his reappearance in a tough contest and has never won beyond 2m1f.
Failed to kick on after winning this race last year (good to soft); however, he could appreciate the return to hurdles (fell over fences three weeks ago) and he's just 2lb higher than 12 months ago; not ruled out.
Won novice hurdle at Catterick (1m7f, soft) last December and campaign concluded with good second of 16 in mares' handicap at Cheltenham (2m4f, good); she may have needed last month's comeback run at Aintree and she's shown already she's suited by a big field; lightly raced and a possible player.
1/5 Odds Place 1,2,3,4
( Pool guide displayed could change before the race starts & should be used as a guide only )
