Braceys 'The Friendly Builders Merchant' Handicap Hurdle

Was winning from significantly higher marks than today's a couple of seasons ago, but while he may looks well handicapped now, his powers have looked on the wane both over fences and hurdles and he really is not easy to fancy here.

Southwell handicap winner over 2m on the All Weather 14 months ago. 0-5 over hurdles so far and has not got competitive. Does at least come into this fit from the Flat, but plenty to prove over timber.

Has gone up 14lb for winning two of his last three starts, the latter in a C&D novices' handicap earlier in the month. Conditions should not be a problem for him and this is arguably not as strong a race, so he may have another win in him.

Well held in all starts in both point-to-points and under rules. Already tried at various trips, including today's C&D. Tongue strap added for the first time, though it will need to have a dramatic effect if he is to break his duck.

French Flat winner over 1m4½f three years ago, though 0-12 over hurdles, making the frame just once at Fontwell last year from 3lb higher. Couldn't go on from that and returns here after almost a year off. Probably best watched, though given his shrewd yard a market check is advised.

Won a Fontwell selling handicap hurdle in November from 1lb lower, but well beaten all starts over hurdles and fences since. Trip and ground not a problem and he has won from this mark a couple of years back, so do check the market nonetheless.

Won a couple on the Flat when with Alan Swinbank (stayed 2m1f) and has shown a bit more over hurdles for this yard on his last two outings. Hot some form at Ffos Las last time over 2m6f and this drop in distance shouldn't be an issue, so has claims here.

Goes into this 1lb higher than when scoring at Bangor 13 months ago (soft) and 7lb lower then when just touched off at that venue a month later. Out of sorts in four runs since and apart from that, the chief concern today is that all his best form has been on softer ground.