South West Syndicate Handicap Hurdle

Dual winner at 3m+ last season and returned with good placed efforts at Newbury and Wincanton this term. Had excuses when below par at Sandown last time and can't be ruled out.

Career-best performance when winning at Uttoxeter (23.3f) in October. Seemed inconvenienced by shorter trip when below that level at Wincanton since and better expected here. Cheekpieces back on.

Course winner who was returning from 13 months off when second of 8 in handicap hurdle at Newbury (24.2f, good) 20 days ago. Entitled to build on that and merits consideration. Tongue strap on first time.

Progressive 5-time winner last term who bounced back to his best when runner-up at Ludlow (23.8f) in January. Below par since, however, and others hold stronger claims.

Won the Lanzarote Hurdle off 10 lb higher in 2020 but is seemingly not the force of old and looked rather laboured when well-beaten third of 6 at Plumpton (20.5f) latest. Tries longer trip now.

Off the mark over timber here (21f) in December and found a little more improvement when second on handicap debut at Ludlow (21.2f, heavy) last month. Remains low mileage and is one for shortlist.

Twice a winner for Nicky Henderson but offered little in couple of starts over fences for new connections and returns to smaller obstacles now.