23rd July Is Ladies Day Handicap Hurdle

Has not won for quite some time but remains 5lb higher than when last doing so, after some competitive performances in defeat. Drops significantly in grade for this and should be right there in the mix, although suspicion is that he is probably a little better on softer ground.

6lb higher than when scoring at Newton Abbot in August and followed that with runner-up spot in an Ascot Listed contest. Won on the AW at Kempton over 1m4f in March, before disappointing at Catterick last time. Conditions and trip suit and he still looks to be on a good mark, while his pilot's claim looks very handy.

Scored here over 2m½f (good) last month from 8lb lower and was again competitive in a better event at Haydock last time. Up another 2lb for that but in good heart at present and cannot be ruled out.

Hasn't tackled hurdles for the best part of two years, but returns to them after falling in his last two starts over fences. If he can transfer his chasing abilities back to this sphere then he would look well handicapped if able to produce his best. Market check advised.

The winner of four of her 17 starts, including a couple of novices' hurdles, the most recent being here over 2m½f (good) in July. Well beaten second at Ludlow on her reappearance last month but was entitled to need that run and should go very well.

Won at both Plumpton (2m, good) in a maiden hurdle and here over C&D (good) in a novices' hurdle, both by healthy margins, in the past few weeks and goes into his handicap debut on a fair mark. Very interesting competitor who will need to be at his best to complete the hat-trick.

Broke his duck at Exeter last time (2m1f, good) and the handicapper has put him up just 2lb for that success. Very little racing weight to shoulder and it would be no surprise to see him follow up.