Auditel Cost & Carbon Management Challenge Handicap Hurdle

Consistent sort who was just about better than ever when doubling tally for last season at Warwick in February (21f). Sound-enough efforts both starts since and 6 month-absence no concern given yard he represents.

Back to winning ways in hunter chase at Stratford in May but off 3 months and not in the same form all 3 starts in regulation handicaps over fences. First hurdles start since 2022.

Didn't need to be at best to finally open his account in a weak affair at Newton Abbot in April. Was found another good opportunity to follow up under a penalty at Uttoxeter a month later and he did it readily. Can be a factor from this sort of mark.

French Flat winner who has thrived since sent handicapping over hurdles, making it 4 wins from 5 starts when forging clear at Sandown in January. Game effort in defeat when runner-up at Newbury (20.5f, soft) in March and no surprise were he to pick up where he left off.

Hasn't won since 2023 but ran right up to his best under a more positive ride on final start for Stuart Crawford (sold for £36,000) when runner-up at Perth in May. Brushed aside on return to action a fortnight ago but he may have needed that. Bowen takes over.

Drew a blank over fences in 2023/24 but returned to winning ways over hurdles at this meeting a year ago (2m). Lost little caste in defeat when runner-up back over the larger obstacles in February/March. Capable fresh but has stamina to prove.

Dual hurdles winner who ended 2024 out of sorts. Much better signs on the Flat this year, looking rejuvenated by first-time blinkers when scoring at Newmarket in August. Found it tougher going in a warmer handicap at Doncaster but runner-up back on the level a month ago and eased further 2 lb.