Jill Willows Handicap

Has been seen to good effect over hurdles during the autumn/spring and carried over that good form to win at Windsor in June although he made hard work of it. Has run with credit in two subsequent runs but does need a strong pace to run at and could well be worth a try over further.

Seen to good effect when given a relatively soft lead at Redcar on his penultimate outing winning in a lower grade (0-75) having shown a good attitude (as usual) when challenged. The blinkers that were worn on that occasion were left off on his one ensuing start off a 6lb higher mark at Ripon where he ran well in defeat to an improving sort. Slightly surprising that he's never won here with the course suiting front running tactics.

A dual C&D winner with both the wins coming in 0-80 handicaps although the handicapper hasn't put him up much for either win. His form between those wins looks poor though and it may well be that this C&D brings out the best in him. Didn't have the run of the race last time and has to be respected back here of what is expected to be a decent pace.

His mark keeps dropping but it's hard to make excuses for all of his runs this year despite the falling mark and finished well held again last time out.

He's been very consistent this year and has only finished out of the frame once this year and he's won two of his last three races over this trip although this mark gives him his toughest test yet. He likes to race prominently so will need to be careful not to get into a pace war here but given his overall record he needs respecting.