More experience to his name over obstacles than these rivals. Returned to action with a fine effort when second on handicap debut at Kelso (2m5f; heavy). Solid claims back in a maiden. Stable hold a 40% strike-rate at this track (2-5).

Talented staying handicapper on the flat, and wasn't disgraced on hurdles debut at Warwick (2m3f; good to soft) last month. Will need to improve plenty to win this though. Profile overall suggests he prefers faster ground.

Is stepped back up in trip after posting a lesser effort when dropped down in distance at Sandown (2m; heavy) last time. Still needs to prove he handles softer ground (lesser efforts have came on ground with give in it).

Contested competitive and decent staying-handicaps on the level (officially rated 78) this year. Now makes hurdles debut on first run since July, and is respected in what isn't an overly hot race. Has place claims.

Yard have been quiet in recent weeks. Starting to have runners again now, but it would still be difficult to fancy him on seasonal/hurdles debut. Sole run came at the end of last season when he finished 11th of 13 in a Warwick (2m; good) bumper.

Runner-up on rules/hurdles debut in what appeared to be a decent race at Aintree (2m4f; soft). The third has recently franked the form, and this step up to 2m6f should suit him. Leading contender in this weaker affair.

16-race maiden on the flat who recently started his hurdles career at Wetherby (2m3f; good to soft) when tailed off. Has been set a similarly impossible task again in this field. Of more realistic interest when entering handicaps.