All three defeats over hurdles have been in maidens; has since gone 5-9 over fences, last time making all at Stratford (2m1f, good to firm) after wind surgery; off the same mark for his handicap debut as a hurdler.
Respectable efforts since switching to handicaps, notably a fourth at Aintree on Boxing Day (2m4f, good to soft; fine at 2m and on good); had a break since her no-show at Ludlow the following month; not dismissed.
No fireworks in his first three races and on RPRs this initial mark isn't obviously lenient; however, he is clearly open to improvement on handicap debut representing the Murphy/Bowen team.
Three wins on the Flat; 0-8 as a jumper but was clear of the rest when a 7l runner-up at Stratford (2m, good) recently and something similar will see him on the scene.
Low-grade Flat winner; hurdle form nothing to shout about as when finishing third in a Hexham novice he was beaten 14l; others preferred on this handicap debut.
Dual hurdle winner whose latest success was over fences on Boxing Day; ran well in that scene afterwards but, following a break of 110 days, he finished well behind over hurdles at Hexham.
Proven winner who had lost his way but got back on track with a near miss at Worcester (2m, good) 20 days ago; just 2lb higher but the new blinkers (replacing cheekpieces) cast some doubts.
