14:55 Ludlow Thu 14 November 2019

Winner at Perth in June but some moderate efforts since then, and threw the towel in very early at Exeter last time out; tongue-tie removed, which could help (has won without it) and only now 2lb higher than last win; risky, but not written off.

Improving 7yo that has won his last two starts, including over slightly shorter here at Ludlow last time, making all and staying on well when challenged; up 4lb for that but on a roll and could easily complete the hat-trick.

Twice a winner over hurdles, yet to score in five chase starts and jumping rather went to pot at Worcester last time; given that, did well to finish as close as he did, and if he can pick his feet up better, chances for a yard among the winners.

Winner over shorter here in March, the odd mistake not stopping him on the way to a win over Allelu Alleluia; jury still out as to whether he really wants this trip after his effort at it at Exeter last month, and on balance, others preferred.

Just the five wins in 58 starts, but has plenty of ability when he cares to show it; might have needed Cheltenham run last month to blow the cobwebs away and may fare better here, but that overall win rate is a concern.

Still 3lb higher than last victory which came at Doncaster in the January of 2018, so some time since he got his head in front; not a bad effort in a novice hurdle at Worcester last month, which will have set him straight, and conditions ideal here.

Useful handicap hurdler and deserved his Warwick win last year, but in truth some pretty mixed efforts since then and yet to convince that chasing is really his game. On a very good mark if he can recapture former glories, but comes with risk.

Very useful at his peak but has become a little tricky to win with these days; shaped nicely enough when fourth at Wincanton last time and will be fitter for that, and a 2lb drop from the handicapper welcome too. Watch market is the advice.

Stays well and will appreciate any rain that comes his way, stayed on to finish third over a marathon trip at Sedgefield last month and will be fitter for that; worry is he might find things happening a bit quickly around here, but not discounted.