Proactive Personnel Handicap Hurdle

Fair maiden on the level for Andrew Balding. Landed 4-runner juvenile at Musselburgh (2m, good to soft) on hurdle debut in March. Has only matched rather than bettered that since and his opening handicap mark in this sphere isn't obviously generous.

Got off the mark over C&D in April and posted a solid third off a 7 lb higher mark in 2m handicap at Uttoxeter 4 weeks later. Contender if returning from a 108-day break in similar form.

Fairly useful on Flat and in good nick in this sphere since undergoing a wind op, winning a C&D handicap 15 days ago. Has first-time cheekpieces added to his tongue tie now. Much respected up 4 lb.

Modest maiden. Mostly creditable efforts in handicaps this season but his mark hasn't budged much as a result and he'll need to pull out a little more to get off the mark.

Dual AW Flat winner for this yard earlier in the year. Possible he needed the run after a short break (had wind surgery) when only seventh of 9 in 2m Uttoxeter handicap in July and being eased another 3 lb can only help.

Fairly useful maiden on Flat for Brian Meehan. Also went close on the level for this yard at Haydock in the spring but pulled up in C&D handicap back hurdling 15 days ago.