Coniston Introductory Hurdle

Winner of three of his four starts, only defeat coming behind the useful Eden De Houx at Ascot in a Listed bumper last year; did the job nicely at Wincanton last time and this further step up in trip will help; the one to beat again here.

Improved a chunk on his bumper form to score at Exeter last month, making most and staying on strongly, giving impression step up in trip would suit; yard can't stop having winners and although he needs more here, is clearly going the right way now.

Steady if unspectacular form shown in four starts so far, all in Irish bumpers, but bred for the job and may well do better now seeing some obstacles; has plenty on his plate on debut for new yard though, and may be best watched today.

Point-to-point winner last April, purchased at Cheltenham sales for £38,000 not long after; good second on hurdles debut at Hereford last month, looking to be crying out for a step up in trip, and could easily take a big step forward now he gets it.

Purchased for 10,000gns as a 3yo, and staying chasing may very well be his game based on pedigree; likely to find others a bit too speedy for him on hurdles debut today.

Sprang a 40-1 surprise when winning a Listed bumper at Newbury last March but showed it no fluke when second to the useful (and improving) Mason Jar at Kempton last month; likely to improve for that effort and has places chances here, at worst.

Second in a Garthorpe point-to-point last March and caught the eye (both in the paddock and race) when eighth in a Cheltenham bumper last month; probably biting off a bit too much here, but one to keep an eye on with a view to the future.

Twice a point-to-point winner in Ireland, purchased by current connections for £30,000 at Doncaster sales in May; clearly has some ability but this is a tough race to be making your hurdles debut in, and she may be best watched unless supported.