Nick Ayliffe Memorial Handicap Hurdle

Ended a long, losing sequence when winning over C&D last month. The handicapper has raised him only five pounds for that success so he is entitled to be in contention again on ground which is expected to suit.

Point-to-point winner who made it third time lucky for his stable when winning on heavy ground at Lingfield in November. Only sixth at this track back in February, but steps up markedly in trip and that could be the making of him if he can handle the forecast surface.

Pulled up on his latest start at Kempton, but had previously won over C&D, showing a liking for a sound surface. Needs to put that latest blip behind him, but has had a break and could well bounce back to form.

Has been running respectably recently, but is 5lb higher than when successful at Huntingdon in December and may need some respite from the handicapper. He may also prefer softer ground than he is expected to encounter.

Approaching the veteran stage and has barely threatened on his recent outings. He has been dropped 4lb since his last run at Kempton in November, but it is highly debatable whether that is enough to make a telling difference.

Point-to-point winner who has so far made little impact in bumpers and some decent novice hurdles. Tries his luck in a handicap and steps up in trip, so he is one of the more interesting contenders off a feasible opening handicap mark.

Runner-up in a Listowel bumper for Gordon Elliott, he has been disappointing in three starts in novice hurdle company since joining his top stable. It may be too soon to write him off given the rise in trip on the forecast sound surface could produce improvement.