Betway Mersey Novices' Hurdle (Grade 1)

Early form looked modest in both bumpers and over hurdles but he improved on those early runs when back from a break and scoring impressively in a bumper at Punchestown. That win proved to be the catalyst for two hurdles wins in novice company the last over this trip before he was stepped up to Grade 1 company over 2m4f at Naas. Looked to be flying too high there and same case here.

Point-to-point winner who did well to win first time out over hurdles at Plumpton (pulled very hard and refused to settle) but still won impressively. Has bettered that form in two defeats since the first in Listed company at Huntingdon and the second when beaten by 9L by Le Breuil last time out. The winner looked much more the finished article there and this test may well prove too much again for him here.

Winner of two minor novice hurdles in the north having been placed third in his only bumper. Only beat two rivals last time out at Sedgefield but won by 15L and lead on the bridle. This is a steep rise in class though and by far his toughest test so far.

Failed to make the cut to run at Cheltenham but gained compensation in a competitive handicap at Kempton Park over 2m5f where he could be named the winner a long way out. Looks to have plenty of improvement left in him and likely to be one of the major players here.

Lightly raced hurdler who has shown promise in his last two races travelling well on both occasions although he was ridden with a lot more patience in a Grade 2 at Ascot last time out. Took the runner-up slot on that occasion (Lough Derg Spirit back in fourth) and comes back from a break now for an attempt in the highest grade.

Only placed in three bumpers and it took him four runs to get off the mark over hurdles finally doing so last time out at Doncaster. The better ground suited him on that occasion and he gives the impression that a big field 2m handicap would bring out the best in him and may find this 2m4f too tough a test.

Showed much his best form in defeat when finishing third in a Sandown Grade 2 in December. Won a small field novice at Ascot prior to that and found a good opportunity last time out when again winning at odds-on in weak novice company. Doesn't always look the most straightforward of characters (has worn a hood) and not always an easy horse to settle. Has come up short before at this level and that looks as though it could be the case again here.

Unbeaten in three races so far over hurdles and stepped up massively on his debut form in a Hereford novice hurdle (2m5f) when taking the Grade 1 at Tolworth Hurdle at Sandown. Won four-runner race at Exeter after that but had to miss Cheltenham due to a late setback. That means he comes here a fresh horse and he has already won in this grade; remains open to further improvement.

Two wins over hurdles have resulted in two wins both over a similar trip to the one that he will face here although conditions will be a little quicker. Kept on very strongly last time out when winning at Newbury beating Benatar impressively with his jumping being very fluent. Takes another rise in class here but hard to see him not being involved based on his form so far.

Met his only defeat when beaten in a Grade 2 at Ascot prior to Christmas with Captain Forez finishing in front of him in second. Prior to that he'd won on his debut at Kempton Park over 2m and showed further progress last time out when winning at Musselburgh ridden very positively. One of the principals here although it may well be chasing that sees him in the best light.

In very good form last year with wins at Bangor (novice hurdle) and then showing improved form to take a Grade 2 at Sandown followed by the Grade 1 Challow Hurdle at Newbury. Had to concede weight all the way round at Huntingdon in a Listed contest (2m3f) and turned in another good display (only beaten a neck) before finishing third in the Neptune at Cheltenham. Overall his form reads well and another solid run is expected here.

After finishing well beaten on his hurdling debut at Ayr he's never looked back winning three consecutive races all on heavy ground over 2m. Clearly still open to improvement but this represents a significant rise in class and it would be a surprise if he could even get placed here.

The only mare in the field and a three-time bumper winner who has continued to show good and progressive form over hurdles. Won her first three starts over hurdles with the best of those being a Listed win against mares over 2m in November at Newbury. Given a break after that and returned in a mares novice hurdle at Cheltenham although she failed to dominate that large field and ran well below form and would need to bounce back here given another stiff task.