R W Hough & Sons Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle (Div 2)

Successful over fences for Nicky Henderson last spring, but his profile is anything but convincing and has offered little in half a dozen starts for new yard this year, including back hurdling more recently.

Won back-to-back handicaps at end of last year and ran respectably in belated hat-trick bid over C&D (good to soft) in May. Cheekpieces now reapplied and is one for shortlist.

Resumed winning ways at Ludlow in May and backed that up with a pair of runner-up efforts the following month. Rare poor effort at Uttoxeter since and must enter calculations.

Left previous form behind when bolting up at Uttoxeter (23.3f, good to soft) last month. Still plenty to do when falling 3 out at Worcester since but must enter calculations here.

Looked limited in Ireland, but positive start for new yard when runner-up at Uttoxeter (23.3f) in May. Fell at same course before disappointing at Worcester since, however, and bit to prove now.

Poor form in Ireland for Gavin Cromwell and no signs of improvement on first start for new yard at Hexham last month. Cheekpieces back on.

Fair Flat winner but well beaten all 4 starts over hurdles, including on handicap debut at Uttoxeter latest. Plenty on plate from 9 lb out of the weights.

No impact in couple of starts in handicaps this term and faces a stiff task from so far out of the weights here.