Stuart Stanley Retro Rebel Handicap Hurdle

Course winner over hurdles (2m6f) off a mark of 115 showing improved form and looking as though he would be suited by a greater test of stamina. Failed to follow-up that win in three subsequent starts and was tried over fences last time out and acquitted himself well having been given a stiff task. Runs off a mark 10lb higher than his last win though and that gives him another stiff assignment.

Tongue-tie now added to the blinkers that she's sworn in her last three hurdles starts having on occasions looked a hard ride. Showed that a test of stamina suited her when winning at Aintree in June over 3m off a 5lb lower mark when gifted a very easy lead. Not surprising that she failed to build on that win last time at Worcester (not allowed such an easy time in front) and has a bit to do now off a mark of 124.

Dual winner in novice company last autumn having taken a few runs to get the hang of things with both wins coming in fairly easy style. Tried in two handicaps separated by nine months and looks to have been handed a stiff mark over hurdles despite splitting Lillian and Beneficial Joe last time over 3m2f on her return from a break at Newton Abbot having travelled well. Should be competitive again here.

Went chasing (relatively unsuccessfully) after winning a couple of races over hurdles in August and October of last year over trips just short of 3m. Back over hurdles last time out after falling in his last two chase starts he ran well behind Lillian and Miss Mobot coming from a long way back (possibly too far) having travelled well. Should be in the mix again and this test of stamina is likely to suit although he won't want to get too far back on a course that favours front/prominent runners.

A recent C&D winner in May off a mark of 113 this looks to be a slightly tougher contest and he has a 7lb higher mark to cope with now. Looks a hard sort to catch right and this might just prove a little too competitive for him.

Has shown much improved form this season winning twice from May onwards and taking the runner-up spot on the other occasion. Will need another career best here to hold off her two beaten rivals from last time (Miss Mobot and Beneficial Joe) off a mark of 119 but should continue to run well and hard to totally write off given her recent upturn in form.