Will need to improve on recent efforts including a modest third at Market Rasen last time. Is 3lb higher than winning mark and appears to lack gears but is consistent at least and cannot be ruled out of an open contest.
Finished third when favourite over course and distance on latest start after making a mistake four out. Has finished runner up three times this year and races off just a pound higher than winning hurdles mark and is a leading player for an in-form yard.
Has struggled to rediscover the form of last year when he completed a hat-trick of wins. This course has not been a happy hunting ground on five previous visits but he represents a leading yard which is hitting form with five winners in the past week and is just a pound higher than winning mark.
Steps back up in trip after season-opening fourth at Wincanton. He is a six-time career winner, including over course and distance. and will appreciate the soft ground.
Returns after a long lay off and although he is well handicapped and will appreciate the ground, this is a first run for new trainer who has a negative record following a stable switch.
Twice a course and distance winner on heavy in 2014 but was pulled up when last seen at Leicester in March and may be best watched, despite being well handicapped.
Finished 20 lengths behind Wolf Sword here last time and has shown little in recent runs.
Forecasts
Wolf Sword (6/4), Bredon Hill Lad (7/2), Court Dismissed (4/1), Ray Diamond (8/1), Benissimo (12/1), Clubs Are Trumps (14/1), Triptico (16/1)
Connections of WOLF SWORD could have found just the type of race he is capable of winning and ground conditions should suit. Bredon Hill Lad will appreciate the return to 2m 4f and should come on for his opening run at Wincanton but winning this would represent a career high whilst Court Dismissed is rarely left too far behind and could be competitive again In quite an open contest.
1. Wolf Sword
2. Bredon Hill Lad
3. Court Dismissed