Moved from bumpers to hurdle races for his last two starts, when short-headed at Bangor (2m, good to soft) and much the strongest in the closing stages to move clear at Warwick (2m5f, good to soft); a leading contender on form and today's extra yardage can help him to improve again.
Placed in two of his bumpers; tailed off on hurdle/seasonal debut in November but he had wind surgery soon afterwards and showed the benefit with a 10l win from the front at Doncaster (extended 2m3f, good to soft) five weeks ago, making all and moving clear with apparent ease; that's not the best form in this field but he made a very positive impression.
Finished first or second in his maiden point, a bumper and three runs over hurdles; 2m2f is the furthest he's been and he was beaten at Fontwell that day (penultimate start) but he stuck to his task well and there's a good chance he will get this trip; improvement is needed in this field, though.
Fourth and fifth here last season in two of his bumpers; sent novice hurdling for both starts this term and made the breakthrough with a dominant performance at Taunton (2m3f, good to soft) 19 days ago, always close up and surging clear in the closing stages; he's therefore well worth a go at this trip and looks capable of better, which is needed.
Bought for 55,000 after his Irish point win last March; made a low-key start over hurdles at Newton Abbot (2m1f, heavy; 25-1) and over C&D (good; 100-1) in the autumn, in demanding company in the latter but it does not look like he will be winning again just yet.
Irish maiden point winner who is 0-7 under rules; he has the form for a leading role today, however, having been a close second at Cheltenham (2m, good) on penultimate start; travelling strongly just behind the leaders when he fell two out in a C&D maiden (good to soft) on latest; major player.
