Equimark Horseboxes All New Racing Collection EBF 'National Hunt' Maiden Hurdle

A bit to prove on his hurdles debut after a significant absence of over two years away - especially given the low strike-rate from his stable's runners. Others preferred.

Not much to recommend from his starts to date - vast improvement needed here.

Nicky Henderson has an almost one-in-three strike rate with his runners at this course. This son of the mighty Yeats appears to have been found an ideal opportunity to expand on the haul. Likely he will be given a more patient ride today and he's sure to make his presence know if he gets into a rhythm early.

A likely candidate to help set a decent tempo and, given that he has already gone close over C&D, David Bass' mount is capable of making this a good test. He can be forgiven a tired mistake near the finish at Fontwell on Boxing Day and this return to a more conventional track is a bonus for his chances.

Another who can force the issue and will make sure this is a test of resolution if he runs his usual race. Ground conditions are not expected to throw up any issues unless there is a complete deluge, so plenty of reasons to expect him to be involved at business end if he doesn't run too freely.

Showed promise in an Irish point-to-point at Killeagh around this time last year. However, he was very resilient when he came under pressure during the latter stages of his rules debut at Exeter last month, so a leap of faith is required even though his stable's runners appear to be turning the corner.

A ready winner of a bumper on his debut here last November and, even though the form of that race is yet to catch the imagination, he is bred to appreciate the jumping game; so merits respect as a likely candidate in a modest event. His ability to cope with hurdles is obviously taken on trust, but he at least has a good cruising speed to rely upon if there is a strong tempo. One to monitor in the betting.

Has a bit to find with Burbank on a literal reading of their encounter here last month. A little more respect for his hurdles may bring about improvement but on balance he needs a little luck on his side.

Had an excuse for his latest effort, where he never got into his stride after being hampered at an early stage. However, there is little to strengthen his case from his efforts in bumpers and, given that his sire was best at a mile, the evidence suggests he is set to play another bit-part role here.

Awarded a bumper in the stewards' room at Lingfield on his penultimate start, so merits a second look on that effort alone. The gelding may have needed the run when he finished down the field last time out, but that was still a modest level of form and he has too much to prove to be given a vote of confidence here.

Unseated his rider on his hurdling debut and has hardly set the world alight in two subsequent outings. Bred to appreciate a sterner test of stamina, so is not difficult to rule out of betting plans in the absence of market confidence.