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Has returned in excellent nick after a breathing op, readily landing 9-runner handicap hurdle at Ayr in December, despite getting loose to post. Up 7 lb but gave another good account of himself when runner-up at Kelso a month later. Respected.

Modest form in bumpers and was allowed a soft lead when third of 4 in novice hurdle at Newcastle (2m6f) in December. Failed to back up that effort when pulled up at the same course on Boxing Day. Tongue strap now reached for as he goes handicapping from a tough-looking mark.

Dual hurdle/chase scorer. Has struggled over fences this winter but mark dropped over the smaller obstacles and much more like it when second at Newcastle 3 weeks ago. Good chance if backing that up.

Progressive a few seasons back but he didn't show much when returning from an absence of over 2 years here on New Year's Eve and fared no better back at Uttoxeter a month later. Cheekpieces on first time.

Third on his last 2 qualifying runs and represents a yard with a fair record with handicap debutants. One to monitor in the betting.

Successful twice for James Ewart in summer of 2021 but he's yet to fire in 4 runs for his current yard this term. Mark is falling but he still needs to take a big step forward in re-fitted cheekpieces.

Sole hurdling win came in early 2019. Failed to fire in 2021 so has plenty to prove returning from 18 months off the track.

Last success came over 2 years ago and has been below-par in recent outings. Handicapper cutting him some slack but percentage call is to look elsewhere.

Only poor form over hurdles in Ireland and little to get excited about both starts for this yard.

Sliding in the weights without really looking like taking advantage, failing to stay 22.1f at Cartmel when last seen in May. Has had a breathing op and drops markedly in trip.

Well held in a trio of bumpers and yet to make an impact over hurdles. Starts handicaps off a lowly mark at least, on the back of a breathing op.

Lazy sort who is firmly up against it from out of the handicap again.