Southern Cranes & Access Handicap Hurdle

Successful twice last season but it's been a struggle in 3 starts this time round and others make more appeal.

Scored off a 5 lb higher mark than this over fences at Ludlow in October 2021 but well below par in a couple of runs so far this season. Fair bit to prove returned to this sphere following a break of almost 4 months.

Raised his game considerably back from 4 months off when seeing off subsequent winner Ioupy Collonges in a 19f Taunton handicap last month.Found just one too good at Huntingdon 8 days later and, though now 5 lb higher, he has to enter calculations.

In the frame on first 5 attempts over hurdles and, equipped with a first-time hood, he opened his account in this sphere over C&D last month (form boosted when the third subsequently landed a Class 2 Haydock handicap). Raised just 2 lb and he's a big player.

Winning hurdler in France but has shown little in handicaps at Sandown and Taunton (race won by Ike Sport) for present connections.

Off mark in Irish points at second attempt in last spring and shaped like a stayer when third in maiden hurdle at Market Rasen (20.6f, heavy) on Rules debut in November. Well held both starts since, though, and this drop back in trip is of dubious benefit now pitched into a handicap.

Fairly useful form on the Flat in Ireland and has made a sound start to his hurdle career for new stable, placed twice before landing the odds at Haydock 11 days ago. Failed to fire on handicap bow in this sphere at Ascot but well worth another chance up in trip here.