Weakened quickly when pulled up in a 3m Hexham novices hurdle last month on his first start under rules. This brother to a couple of Point-to-Point winners, including Deadly Move, needs to do better in the first time tongue tie.
Unraced under rules, but this half-brother to 2m4f/3m1f winner Lexicon Lad has extensive experience in Point-to-Points (1 from 11); a winner for this rider when with Andrew Nicholls in a 3m Easingwold maiden in May. Stable debut (briefly with Sam England).
Former Point-to-Point racer (placed on his second start). Improved sharply from his first start for this trainer to second when a 4L runner up to It's Pandorama in a C&D maiden hurdle (good to soft) last month. Obvious chance if able to reproduce that effort.
Rattled off a hat-trick of wins in novice handicap chases last season and looked progressive, but broke a blood vessel at Aintree on final start in October, and not seen until returning to the track at Worcester last month. This longer trip looks certain to suit and that run should have blown away any cobwebs that were lurking.
Hasn't shown masses of ability in two starts under rules. Both of these races were 2m4f maiden hurdles at Perth, and whilst placed on the latter occasion was beaten 16½L by the long odds-on winner Just Before Dawn.
Forecasts
What Happens Now (8/13), Whispering Affair (4/1), Strong Resemblance (4/1), Monarch's Glory (16/1), Mathayus (33/1), All My Friends Say (80/1)
A low key opener which looks to rest between the front running three time chase winner WHAT HAPPENS NOW, and recent C&D maiden hurdle runner up Strong Resemblance. The former posted an encouraging return to action at Worcester recently, and should be suited by this step up in trip, and assuming that he's over his ailments, he should have enough in hand to hold off the James Moffatt trained six-year-old.