Hard to be convinced he is as good as the margin suggests for his defeat by a 132-rated hurdler last week. Nevertheless it was a step in the right direction and this will take little winning.
Point-to-point winner over 2m who made a promising start for new yard before pulling up over Christmas. Shaped well on comeback and reasonably weighted, but a Flat pedigree casts doubts over his stamina.
Has won twice at Southwell this year and has proved far less effective elsewhere. Will get quicker ground here than on last two starts and that is a plus.
Flat winner at 1m4f and showed first signs of promise over hurdles on latest start. Steps up 7f in trip and respected under champion rider for a trainer with a 3-5 career record with hurdlers here.
Won a bumper here three years ago but has had his problems since. Failed to show much on latest start and has had another break since.
Forecasts
Askari (2/1), Handy Hollow (9/4), Farm The Rock (9/2), Flying Verse (8/1), Mead Vale (9/1), Sauvignon (11/1), New List (16/1), Loch Garman Aris (18/1)
Askari and New List are interesting off their current marks in this grade but both have Flat pedigrees and preference is for HANDY HOLLOW who is proven at the trip and likes the course. Flying Verse should improve for the quicker ground and his stable have been back amongst the winners, but Mead Vale is flattered by last week's effort and has a tough task under topweight.