14:50 Newcastle Tue 15 January 2019

Four-time Flat winner (at 1m1f-1m2f); consistent, if unspectacular since switched late to hurdling; finished 11¾L fifth of 12 to Whoshotthesheriff at Ayr (2m, soft) 13-days ago.

Former German Flat racer who hasn't looked to be an obvious future hurdles winner for Oliver Greenall (0-3); hood applied for the first time on handicap debut.

4-6 in French bumpers (1m1f-1m4f) prior to joining James Ewart and made the frame over C&D on his penultimate start when beaten in excess of 10L by Weather Front; far less effective on handicap bow latest; must bounce back.

17-race maiden on the Flat and now 0-5 over hurdles; excelled himself when finishing a close up fourth to Wot A Shot at Musselburgh (2m, good) last week, albeit possibly flattered by that showing.

Won his bumper in the mud at Ayr (1m5f+) on debut in November 2017; hasn't progressed since, although didn't run badly behind the talented Buster Valentine at Ayr (2m maiden, heavy) in November 2018; market a guide on handicap debut

Has struggled to make an impression in heavy winter ground since switched to the care of Nick Alexander; no significant progress in newly applied tongue-tie at Kelso latest (2m6f+); dropped 5lb, down in trip on ground which could suit.

Poor under rules so far; returns to action from a 238-day absence and straight into a low-level handicap (debut); can't be considered as a likely winner unless the market speaks favourably.

Flat winner for Henry Candy in 2017 who has taken time to find his feet over hurdles for current connections; went close to following up his December Leicester win (2m, good to firm) when beaten just under 3L by Lastin' Memories here (2m4f) latest.

Sent off at massive prices on all five hurdles starts so far, including when finishing eighth of 14 at Hexham (2m, good) in November; clearly not the solution despite the presence of Brian Hughes in the saddle.

34-race maiden (0-25 over hurdles) who holds no conceivable chance from miles outside of the handicap; look elsewhere with immense confidence.