Keen-going sort who posted his best effort when second at Wetherby in November. Few signs of encouragement since, but has tumbled down the weights and his stable is in good form.
Placed in two novice hurdles at Doncaster, but below that form when only sixth at Wetherby last month. Steps up in trip and the forecast good ground will be in his favour.
Runner-up four times in six starts over hurdles, but failed to show the same ability over fences on her last two starts. Switches back to hurdles and looks one of the more likely types.
Showed ability in a couple of bumpers, but has been beaten a long way in three tries over hurdles. Represents a shrewd yard which knows how to get the best out of its horses, but needs to improve significantly to figure.
One win from eight starts over hurdles, but on a downward curve and the return to a sound surface needs to trigger a revival if he is to be competitive.
Showed nothing on his handicap debut at Wetherby in February following similarly-poor displays in novice hurdles. Comes from a respected stable, but his form gives him a mountain to climb.
Forecasts
Sierra Oscar (5/2), Gasoline (3/1), The Grinder (7/2), Hollow Bay (4/1), Conteur d'Histoire (8/1), Spyder (22/1)
Not much to get excited about in the opener. Conteur d'Histoire has been given a chance by the handicapper, but the two with the most taking profiles are The Grinder and HOLLOW BAY. The latter, back over hurdles, gets a narrow vote.