Acts on soft. Went close at Taunton (2m2f, good) last time, in a first-time tongue tie, from 2lb lower. However, returns here after missing 20-months, so will have well being to prove first and foremost. Market check to gauge expectations.
Two of his three wins have come here, both over further. The latter was a selling chase success in April. Returns from a break on a competitive mark, though there has to be some concern over the drop in trip.
Scored on soft at Plumpton (2m1f) in January, when 9lb lower. Has run respectably from similar marks to today's since then. Returns from a break since April and will need to improve again to pick up another win.
Dual C&D winner on soft ground, including this race last year from 5lb lower, when fresh. Went on to win from just 1lb lower at Fontwell, so if he is at his best here after a break again, he could go very close.
Couldn't get fully competitive on his chase debut at Chepstow (2m, soft) about a year ago and has not been seen since. Has dropped a handy-looking 7lb since then ahead of this reappearance. Interesting. Market check suggested.
0-14. Returns from wind surgery on a mark from which he could prove competitive if fully wound up. Not ruled out.
Forecasts
Alf 'n' Dor (7/2), Billy Hicks (9/2), Air De Rock (9/2), Shrewd Tactics (5/1), Lerichi Belle (5/1), Le Coeur Net (13/2), Bredon Hill Lad (10/1), Aza Run (20/1), Run Don't Hide (25/1)
The market should prove informative here, with the likes of Billy Hicks, Run Don't Hide and Air De Rock runners who could all have cases made for them if there was any warmth in that respect. Le Coeur Net, Lerichi Belle and Shrewd Tactics are others in with a squeak, while Alf 'n' Dor is not written off. However, BREDON HILL LAD won this when fresh last year and may be capable of repeating that.