Returned from a short break with a good third in a 2m3f handicap hurdle on soft ground at Taunton in December. Unraced since and cheekpieces worn for the first time that day are left off for this contest.
Placed twice on the AW including over 1m4f at this venue. Pulled up on his most recent hurdles start in a Listed handicap over 2m5f at Kempton (good-to-soft) last month and better expected on this occasion.
Victorious on the AW at Lingfield in February 2018 and has been running well in defeat in maiden/novice company over hurdles since joining this yard in the autumn. Decent second on soft at Catterick last time and is interesting on AW return.
Winner of a handicap over 1m4f here as a five-year-old back in 2013 but finished held on all five starts for this yard last year and is probably best watched on his first start since finishing 76L eighth at Cartmel (2m6f, soft) in July.
Returning from a break when beaten 25L in a handicap hurdle over an extended 2m at Doncaster (good) earlier this month. Worth a check in the market in this event.
Failed to trouble the judge when a well beaten 11th over an extended 2m at Bangor (soft) earlier this month when making his first appearance since wind surgery. Others hold more obvious claims.
24 race maiden under all codes and was beaten 17½L when last of seven in a claimer over an extended 1m1f here earlier this month. Likely to struggle upped in trip.
Forecasts
Birds Of Prey (8/11), Mandalayan (11/4), Canyon City (13/2), Prabeni (12/1), Mister Fizz (40/1), Prince Khurram (50/1), Lope De Loop (500/1)
MANDALAYAN has winning AW form from his days racing on the Flat and he is taken to register a victory in this seven runner jumpers' bumper event. The selection can get the better of Birds Of Prey who has also shown form in this sphere in the past while third place can go the way of Canyon City who has run well at this venue in the past.