N&L Franklin Developments Novices' Handicap Hurdle

Not always the most fluent jumper and not hard to see why the handicapper has cut him some slack. Eye-catching jockey booking but the partnership faces a stiff test.

Off for almost a year after seemingly losing his way last season. Has a bit to prove and may be best watched until he shows signs of a revival.

Yet to recapture any of the sparkle he showed during his early days in France and, given the way he downed tools on his reappearance at Warwick earlier this month, he is very hard to fancy just now.

Yard has a 25% current strike-rate, so respected as one to bear in mind if supported. He has looked a tad one-paced on occasions, though, which begs the question as to whether he will be seen to better effect over marathon distances.

Posted a solid effort (under Richard Johnson) last time out and would be dangerous to leave out of the equation if it could be guaranteed he will be in the same frame of mind this afternoon. He is unexposed at the trip, so the betting will be a useful guide as to any expectations held of the extra distance being brushed aside.

Won a point-to-point over 3m back in the mists of time but has been hard to win with under rules. Yet to win for his current yard and, as he folded very tamely on his reappearance, he needs to prove he still retains the enthusiasm to get competitive.

Still relatively lightly raced over hurdles and posted an encouraging effort at Taunton last time out. An effort that was all the more commendable as it was her first attempt at 3m. A similar effort would see her in the frame in this company, so one for the shortlist at least.

Made very little impact since switching codes and needs to improve greatly for this step up in distance. Softening of the ground shouldn't be too much of an issue and would play to his strengths. Watch the weather and the betting where he is concerned.

In good heart when last seen out and should have no issues with the trip. Has been found a weak race for his belated first start since October and has to merit a second look on these terms.