Milan gelding; PTP placed; made a promising start for new connections in an Ayr bumper (2m, good) in November 2018; yet to scale those heights over hurdles (0-2) and arguably wouldn't be seeking too much rain.
Not overly proficient on hurdles debut at Warwick (2m3f, good) but should learn from that experience and ultimately wasn't disgraced in finishing 17¾L third to Mr Charity; yard seldom have runners at this Borders track (1-6; 17%); chance.
Sole Flat win for John Butler came at Newcastle (2m) in July 2018; always in rear throughout on re-introduction to hurdling at Carlisle (2m1f, good) 18 days ago.
Consistent between the flags (2,2,2,1) and sold for £42,000 in June 2017; not seen again in competitive action until producing a couple of modest efforts under rules at Newcastle and Perth (both 2m4f) recently.
Hexham PTP winner for Gary Rutherford in May 2017; 0-9 under rules; absent since being pulled up at Perth in a 2m4f Class 5 handicap chase in May 2018.
Non-Runners
5
Fortified Bay711
Weight: 10-12| Age: 7
T: J Candlish J: Sean Quinlan
NR
Forecasts
Floki (4/9), Fortified Bay (11/8), Knockoura (4/1), Buddha Scheme (11/2), Teviot Prince (25/1), Clondaw Fixer (25/1), Forbidding (50/1)
A weak maiden hurdle. FORTIFIED BAY has the best form in the book and is owned by the St Boswells-based Rooney's, so it is worth taking a chance on his well-being at their local track (returning from a 711 day absence). The only other viable alternative is the Dan Skelton-trained Floki who will probably improve upon his obstacles debut third at Warwick.