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Off time: 14:30 | Winning time: 3m 47.10s

The Con Man³⁶⁷

Age: 6| Weight: 11-5| J: B S Hughes| T: D McCain Jnr| OR: 131

9/1

Point-to-point scorer who made a winning rules/hurdles debut for these connections at Carlisle (2m4f; heavy) on sole start last season. Runner-up is now rated 131, so it was a good performance. Absence is a concern, but he should make a bold bid.

Form: 11-

Ebony Jewel³⁷

Age: 5| Weight: 11-0| J: Lucy Alexander| T: N W Alexander| BF| D

5/2

Produced an underwhelming display on hurdles debut when third at Ayr (2m; soft) on his return to action at the end of October. Could have jumped more fluently that day. Still has claims in an open race.

Form: 216-3

On To Victory⁴⁴⁶

Age: 5| Weight: 11-0| J: Tom Cannon| T: A King

3/1

Reached a rating of 100 on the flat, and was eighth in the Northumberland Plate last year. Should have a future under this code given the level of ability he showed on the level. Respected for top trainer who does well with these types.

Form:

Stimulating Song^h³⁹

Age: 4| Weight: 11-0| J: Nick Scholfield| T: M F Harris

33/1

0-4 in bumpers, but he took his form to a new level when outrunning price of 50-1 to finish fifth at Cheltenham (2m; heavy). Now makes hurdles debut, but lacks the experience over hurdles that some of his rivals possess.

Form: 6-225

Sunny Express²³

Age: 4| Weight: 11-0| J: Adrian Heskin| T: W Greatrex

11/4

Travelled smoothly on hurdles debut at Carlisle (2m1f; soft) last month before being past by the winner who flew home after jumping the last. That looked to be a weak contest but he showed enough promise then to suggest he has a bright future.

Form: 3-2

Marie's Rock²⁰⁴

Age: 4| Weight: 10-7| J: N de Boinville| T: N J Henderson| D

4/1

Won a mares' bumper at Ffos Las (2m; good) on debut at the end of last season. Strength of that race is open to question, but she won well enough that day so has to enter calculations on hurdles debut.

Form: 1

Saint Dalina¹⁰

Age: 5| Weight: 10-7| J: W T Kennedy| T: C E Longsdon

150/1

Sent off at 50-1 on hurdles debut at Uttoxeter (2m; heavy) after a disappointing effort on seasonal return. Ran in accordance with those large odds finishing a distant eighth. Watching brief advised in what is a tougher contest.

Form: 3-98

Forecasts

Ebony Jewel (5/2), Sunny Express (11/4), On To Victory (3/1), Marie's Rock (4/1), The Con Man (9/1), Stimulating Song (33/1), Saint Dalina (150/1)

An open-looking contest with Sunny Express one for the future after he was mowed down by a strong finisher on his first start over hurdles when last seen. The hurdles newcomer On To Victory should have a role to play, as he holds winning form on soft ground, but has to defy a 446-day absence. The Con Man (the most interesting contender in the line-up) must also overcome a lengthy layoff and concede weight all-round. With that in mind, everything points to a big run from EBONY JEWEL who held useful form in bumpers last season, but lacked fluency on hurdles debut. She can regain the winning thread and make the most of the 5lb she receives from The Con Man.