Haldon Hill Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle

Down the weights and proved he retains plenty of ability when third in a Newton Abbot handicap hurdle in June. Failed to complete back over fences next time but shaped with encouragement reverted to hurdling when fourth there (21.6f) last month. Player with cheekpieces refitted.

Scored over fences at Fontwell in November but pulled up last 3 starts, including back over hurdles at Worcester last time.

Gambled on and made a mockery of his much-reduced mark on first start since leaving Adam West in 9-runner handicap at Southwell (20.4f, good to firm) 7 days ago, plenty in hand. Likely to take some stopping under a 7-lb penalty.

Smooth traveller who added to his terrific course record at Newton Abbot when scoring cosily over 2m there in June. Respectable efforts since but needs to prove he's as good away from that venue.

Showed much-improved form to get off the mark in first-time cheekpieces at Huntingdon in April. Backed it up with a good third at Perth later in the month but this represents a step up in grade.

Fair hurdler who shaped like a non-stayer on his most recent outing in this sphere. This trip more suitable and ran creditably on his stable debut on the Flat last time.

Capitalised on a career-low mark when winning this corresponding event last year, but ran below form at Worcester in August and never threatened back on the Flat at Bath last month. Others more persuasive.

Landed a brace of handicaps here last November and got back on track when second in 7-runner event at Stratford (16.3f, good) in May. This demands a bit more, though.