Sustained an overreach when fifth in this last year; still in contention when brought down at the second-last at Kelso (2m1f, good) in October but didn't see it out when runner-up (beaten 15l) back there next time; poor effort latest, so potentially vulnerable.
Failed to win a point (0-5), or over hurdles (0-6), but made an immediate breakthrough over rules fences at Sedgefield (2m, soft; 11-2) over a fortnight ago; that form has been given a boost since (third-placed Huit Reflets beaten a nose next time) so a 5lb rise could prove manageable.
Rules form in Ireland (hurdles) only modest; more competitive in points, though, always doing enough in a four-runner Rathcannon maiden (3m; 3-1) last November; market check advised, despite the 402-day absence, on rules chasing/stable debut.
Yet to win (0-10) but must enter calculations on the pick of his best efforts, principally when runner-up to Ideallko at Warwick (2m, soft; in a newly applied tongue-tie) last December; this second run back from wind surgery could be the time to catch him right.
Sole win from 28 starts came over hurdles here (2m4f, soft) over three years ago; runner-up, on his second attempt over fences, here (3m) in March, but hasn't quite managed to reach those same levels this season; opposable on the balance of probability.
1-23, that win coming at this track (2m4f, heavy; 22-1) in March 2024; towards the rear throughout (seventh) in this last year, and jumped left-handed when toiling at Carlisle (3m) in February; hardly convincing.
16-race maiden; best effort when a weakening third in a thin maiden hurdle here (2m; 25-1, in cheekpieces) in March; pulled up on recent comeback and has only limited experience over fences; blinkers are now the headgear of choice.
Finally struck in a 2m handicap hurdle here in May; blinkers were newly fitted when runner-up over fences at Sedgefield (2m, soft) last month but was an early faller in the race won by Dixie Cowboy subsequently; isn't discounted but you couldn't have confidence either.
Veteran with six course wins, the latest (in cheekpieces) over this trip in April 2023; seemingly isn't the same force now, toiling for the first half of this year having finished a well-beaten eighth in this last year; no reason to anticipate one last hurrah off such a lengthy absence.
1/5 Odds Place 1,2,3
( Pool guide displayed could change before the race starts & should be used as a guide only )
