Edinburgh Gin Handicap Hurdle

Found to have a minor injury after disappointing at Haydock in the Betfair Chase in November and has been on the easy list since. This is a prep race for another Scottish National bid and unlikely to see him fully extended as a result.

Grand old mudlark and multiple Grade One winner. Firmly on the downgrade this season, having now slipped 18lb in the ratings since winning a Haydock Grade Two 13 months ago. Hard to fancy on recent evidence, though any sort of revival would give him a great chance.

Won back-to-back heavy ground handicaps here and at Ayr last spring and remains 3lb higher than the latter, though has not managed to add to that. Went close behind Runswick Royal at Ayr last time and that runner could provide a pointer in the opener on the card.

Has won three of his last four and risen 15lb as a result. Latest 3L Lingfield win (2m3½f, heavy) accounts for a 5lb increase, but that was done on style and he remains a hurdler of potential.

Another progressive performer, now up 22lb for winning three of his last five races. Stays beyond 3m and acts with plenty of cut and has to be short-list material once again. Nagging concern that despite his improvement, he hasn't managed to back up a win yet.

Fabulous servant who has not won since that renowned 66/1 triumph in the Grade Two Cleeve Hurdle in 2014. Nonetheless, he is still capable of running to an amazing level of form for his age and on ground that suits and at a venue that he loves, you wouldn't rule him out from picking up some prize money.

Remains 7lb higher than his last win, a 2m7f handicap at Haydock (heavy) in December 2015. Raied 1lb for his run behind Runswick Royal at Ayr last month and, while that was a good performance in defeat, he may produce another here.

Proved that he handles bottomless conditions at Ayr in December and also that he stays 2m7f at Haydock last month. Lightly raced and full of potential, with the extra 2½f here looking an ideal vehicle to unearth that.