Enhanced Place Odds At 188Bet Handicap Hurdle

Enjoyed a resurgence in 2017, winning three times, including over C&D (good to soft) in October. Unable to match that on his last two outings, both here, one over hurdles and latterly over fences. Handicapper looks to have the edge for the moment.

You have to go back to April 2014 for his most recent win (C&D, good). which came from 2lb higher. Has run a number of good races in defeat from higher marks since then. Couldn't rule him out based on his December run here from 5lb higher.

Went very close to winning a Worcester maiden hurdle (2m4f, good) in October, but not quite as good next time at Bangor (soft) and well held last time. Looks fairly treated for handicap debut based on his best form and enters calculations.

Yet to win beyond 2m5½f and although this is not a lot further, on a stiff track like this and in testing ground, his stamina will be under scrutiny. Once won from 1lb higher, but will need to be back at that level of form to have a chance.

Won a heavy ground Carlisle bumper last year, though currently 0-4 over obstacles. Steps up again in trip here, but well beaten from 3lb higher last time and probably one to watch on that evidence.

Sole success came over this trip at Worcester (good) in 2016 and best form is on a sound surface, although he does act on soft/heavy ground. Put in one of his better efforts at Market Rasen last time and again has frame claims from same mark.

Lost form last season following a Plumpton chase win (3m1½f, good to soft) and is now 6lb below that winning mark. Wind surgery did not pay immediate dividends back over hurdles at that track last time and he can't be backed with confidence.

Stays 3m2½f and has won on soft ground, though has been in the doldrums since summer 2016. Well beaten from similar marks over fences/hurdles on his last two runs and not easy to make a case for him.

The form of his 2015 point-to-point defeat of Jonniesofa reads well, but he has not progressed like that opponent, though he has been competitive at this level. Beaten favourite in all last three runs, however and 5lb rise does not fuel confidence.

Has been unable to add to his Chepstow novices' handicap hurdle (2m3½f, heavy) win from 2015, which came from 13lb higher. Best run for a while was back there last time. Nudged up 1lb for that, but has run well here before and has each-way claims.