Betfair Cash Out Handicap Hurdle

Grade One novices' hurdle winner at Aintree three seasons ago who has had his problems, running only once since April 2015 when down the field over and extended 2m 4f here in December. Rated 9lb lower than his best form, hence getting into this grade, but that return run wouldn't have you running to lump on here, especially over a trip at which he is unproven.

Won a Kempton Listed mares' hurdle in 2015 (3m, good to soft) but unable to add to that since. Did go well back at that venue from today's mark two starts ago and acts with cut, so not totally out of this if you can forgive her thrashing in Listed company at Sandown last time.

A winner at both Wetherby and Ludlow in the autumn over trips at around the 2m4f mark and ran with plenty of credit over 3m2f at Warwick (soft) last time on what was his handicap debut. Up 5lb for that, but consistent, improving and likely to take a hand here.

Tremendous rise in the weights since joining current yard, for whom he won first-time from a mark of 81 in 2015. Has added a further five successive victories to his CV, including when getting the better of Scotchtown at Warwick last time. Now 4lb better off with that opponent despite his 8lb rise and has a high chance of confirming that form and going close again.

Consistent mudlark whose three career wins have on been on heavy ground. Forecast conditions may not be quite testing enough for him, but he keeps on climbing the ladder and takes his chance here following a 10lb rise for winning comfortably at Ayr last month. Respected.

Good ground Worcester handicap hurdle winner last June (good) from a 1lb lower mark. Since won a Bangor novices' chase, but not shown enough on reverting to hurdles on his last two starts to get the nod in this, particularly as he is unlikely to get his optimum conditions.

Soft ground Fontwell novices' hurdle winner (extended 2m 5f) in April who was pulled up later that month on his only subsequent start. Races from the same mark of 130 today and likely to be straight enough to get involved, with a market check advised.

Sneaks in here with a feather weight and relishes testing ground. 5lb higher than when winning at Huntingdon on Boxing Day and has won in cheek pieces before (not worn on his last three starts), so not impossible to see him winning, though is taking on classier opponents.