Vulcan Refractories Handicap Hurdle (GBB Race)

Developed into a fairly useful handicap hurdler for Paul Nicholls last season. Took it up another notch with a first-time tongue tie added to his cheekpieces when making a winning stable debut over C&D 4 weeks ago. Should remain competitive after a 5 lb rise.

Winner of the Fred Winter at the 2020 Cheltenham Festival and gained a first hurdle success since then when comfortably seeing off 10 rivals at Cartmel (25f) in May. A 6 lb rise won't prevent another prominent showing if in similar form.

Progressive in the spring, winning competitive handicaps at Cheltenham (2½m) and Haydock (3m). Could still be on a workable mark if ready to roll after a break.

Dual hurdles scorer in Ireland in 2019 but winless since and pulled up in a hurdle/chase for this yard in the spring. Aramax has to be considered the stable first string unless the betting strongly hints otherwise.

Highly progressive hurdler/chaser in 2022 but something to prove after 3 disappointing efforts since returning to action. Remains to be seen whether a significant step up in trip helps.

Little impact in 4 starts on the Flat for John Gallagher in 2022 but, having rejoined former yard, he has shown plenty of ability remains when runner-up twice over 23f at Worcester this summer.

Back to form in first-time cheekpieces when landing a 5-runner event over C&D (heavy) 19 days ago, although he was aided by the runner-up making a hash of the last and was probably a bit fortunate. Put back up 5 lb.