National Festival Circus Is Here Today Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle

Scored at Musselburgh a couple of starts back in maiden company (2m3½f, good) and stuck on well enough from 1lb higher than this in a Sedgefield handicap last time. A repeat effort would be good enough to make him competitive.

Races from a higher mark than well held on two occasions last summer. Had a recent run on the All Weather after a break and should do better than that today, though looks one of several who may compete without managing to win.

Won a Doncaster novices' handicap last month but well beaten over C&D last time after a late mistake and hanging on the run-in. Could not be ruled out from returning to form, though will need to as this looks stronger on paper.

0-12 but has been competitive a few times for all of that and now that he has begun to slip a bit in the weights and has some better ground to race on he may show a fair bit more. Stable has been going well and he could be heavily involved.

Last win was in a Stratford chase in September and sole hurdles run this season was later that month when well beaten from 7lb higher. Claimer will also help further ease the burden on him today and may be able to take closer order.

Sole win in 11 starts was in a Clonmel maiden hurdle two years ago and has clearly had issues since then and had only four more starts. New yard may halt the slide but takes a super optimist to wager today.

Won a maiden hurdle over C&D (good to soft) in January before being held in both juvenile and novices' contests. Now tries handicapping from a mark that may be workable, though a market check is advised on that front.

Didn't really come on as hoped when stepped up in trip earlier in the campaign, but much better when back at this distance last time when just 2½L down in third from the same mark as today. Should be very competitive.

4lb higher than when winning over a similar trip at Southwell in August. Struggled when upped to this class after that and has now switched stables. Little encouragement on All Weather last month and looks in need of the handicapper's assistance.

Won from 4lb higher last summer, so would have a chance if he could return to that sort of form. though is badly in need of some sort of spark. Perhaps the decent going forecast might help in that respect and a market check is advised in a race that shouldn't take a lot of winning.