32Red.com Handicap Hurdle

Winning point-to-pointer and hurdler who has been going through the alphabet just lately in both hurdles and chases. Should appreciate the drop in class and a return to form is not ruled out in first-time blinkers, although would like to see some market confidence.

Won twice over fences at up to 2m5f for Donald McCain and has run mainly over hurdles since joining current yard, winning three of them at around 2m4f on good or good to soft ground. Comfortably beaten under today's pilot at Doncaster last time when tried over this far and has a bit to prove from this mark.

Sprang a surprise at Ascot in a decent contest last time (2m7½f, soft) from a 5lb lower mark, his first bit of decent form for almost two years. Won off a mark just 1lb below today's at Huntingdon a couple of seasons back and should be a leading player now back on song.

Won a Fontwell novices' hurdle in October (2m3f, soft), but struggled under a penalty and when upped in grade. Best effort since was at Chepstow last time (2m3½f, heavy) and handicapper has dropped him 3lb for this return to handicapping from what, on some of his form last season, looks an attractive mark.

Possesses some ability, having won a bumper and done pretty well in a couple of novices' hurdles. Now tries handicapping from what looks a fair enough mark, though would like to see what he has to offer in this sphere before wading in.

Justified favouritism when winning a Kempton novices' hurdle earlier in the season (2m5f, good) before finishing down the field in a Grade Two at Cheltenham. Put away since then, presumably waiting for better ground and on a line through Lough Derg Leader, who he beat at Kempton, he looks to be on a decent mark for his handicap debut.