Easy winner at Uttoxeter back in November but shown little the last twice including at Lingfield on heavy ground over 3m4f last time out. Drops significantly in trip here and wears a visor for the first time.
Winner off a 4lb higher mark on heavy ground at Hexham in November 2015 but disappointing since including in a match next time out. Handicap mark is sliding as a result and has a top jockey booked to ride.
Winner off a 5lb lower mark over C&D back in October and ran well when only beaten 9L at Newcastle on his penultimate start. Unseated his rider when last seen out in early December however but chances on that Newcastle run.
Has disappointed the last twice including back over hurdles at Ascot last time out. Previously finished fourth at Uttoxeter and races off a 1lb lower mark than when last successful with his stable in form (5/14) at present.
Only had the six starts since transferring to this yard from France but ran well under today's jockey when beaten 11L at Wetherby last time out. Pulled up over 2m3f the time before and best efforts (including his two wins) in France came on much quicker ground than is predicted here.
Forecasts
Dartford Warbler (6/4), Mossies Well (5/2), Grove Silver (4/1), Tikkandemickey (13/2), Witness (12/1)
With a number of these successful when rated it's DARTFORD WARBLER who is taken to maintain his stables good run of form by taking this event. The selection ran well on his penultimate outing and can put a poor effort in a competitive handicap hurdle at Ascot behind him by taking this at the expense of Tikkandemickey and Mossies Well.