Williams Handicap Hurdle

Three-time hurdle winner (at up to 19f). Form tailed off last spring but confirmed his mark a competitive one with a smashing third on return in Lanzarote Hurdle (21f) in January. May come on for that here.

Dual C&D winner who found further improvement when second of 12 in handicap hurdle (6/1) at Newbury (20.5f, good to soft) in March 2021. However, offered little on first start since at Huntingdon last month.

Not at best latest but goes particularly well at this course and has been cut plenty of slack by the handicapper. Merits consideration.

Fairly useful bumper winner who showed similar form in this sphere when opening his account in 2m4f Southwell novice in December. Below that level at Warwick, since, but can't be ruled out on handicap debut.

Returned to winning ways when scoring on handicap bow at Exeter (18.5f, heavy) 50 days ago and is only 1 lb higher now. Likely contender.

Made a successful transition to handicaps when winning 5-runner event (7/4) at Musselburgh (15.6f) in November and not disgraced in follow-up bid at same course last month. Others look better treated, though.

Won minor event at Nancy on final start for Tom George and shaped as if retaining ability on return from 20-month absence when third in handicap at Haydock (18.9f) in December. Needs to be able to build on that effort.

Dual hurdle winner for Joseph O'Brien last year and ended his time with that stable when second in a Ballinrobe handicap in August. However, he was beaten a long way out on sole start for Patrick Neville and it has been a similar story on both outings for current yard.

String of solid efforts in defeat over fences prior to resuming winning ways from the front at Wetherby last spring. Below par so far this season, however, and switched to hurdling now.

Useful handicapper on Flat (stays 2m) for Amanda Perrett in 2019 and has taken well to hurdling after nearly 3 years off, opening account at fourth attempt in Uttoxeter maiden (15.8f) last month. Enters calculations on switch to handicapping.

Fair bumper winner gradually going the right way over hurdles, scoring in extended 2m Newcastle novice last March. Not seen since, though, and percentage call is to look elsewhere. Makes handicap debut.

Landed a 3-y-o hurdle on debut in France in spring 2021. Well held on first 2 starts for current yard, but showed more the last twice and could benefit from this stiffer test of stamina.