Coral Handicap Hurdle

Veteran who returned to form with a vengeance after 7 months off when winning 11-runner C&D handicap (soft) in December. Task is now to back up his latest effort from 5 lb higher this time around.

Course novice winner last season. Respectable sixth of 20 in 2m Navan handicap on reappearance in November but raced too freely under a 5 lb claimer stepped up to 2½m at Aintree 3 weeks later. Given a bit of time since and retains potential if settling better with Daryl Jacob back in saddle now.

Signed off last term with a win at Perth and built on pair of placed efforts this term when resuming winning ways over 2½m at Musselburgh in January. Creditable third of 12 there off this mark since. Tongue tied first time.

Made the frame all 3 starts in bumpers last season and similar story in a pair of novice hurdles this time round. Looks on a competitive opening handicap mark.

Point winner who has improved for switch to handicaps in this sphere, finishing second at Carlisle and here in December. Needs to shrug off a disappointing effort at Musselburgh 3 weeks ago, though.

Runner-up on his 2m course handicap debut in January 2022 but finished lame when only sixth in a C&D novice the following month and not seen since. Can only watch.

Placed in bumpers in summer 2022 and left his qualifying runs over hurdles well behind when bolting up on last week's Carlisle handicap debut (17f, heavy). A 7 lb penalty is unlikely to stop him if in similar form.