SBK Handicap Hurdle (GBB Race)

Very useful hurdler, including runner-up in Martin Pipe at last season's Cheltenham Festival. Made a disappointing start to his chase career at Newbury last month but warrants respect back over the smaller obstacles.

Most progressive since joining this yard and equipped with a tongue tie, rounding off last season with success at Aintree in April. Made a winning return on the Flat at York, before shaping better than bare result in Greatwood at Cheltenham. Not out of things.

Useful sort on his day over fences and back to that level in first-time headgear when narrow winner of Greatwood Gold Cup at Newbury in March. Offered little in either start this term, though, and is best watched back over hurdles.

Useful hurdler in France, winning twice last spring. Finished down the field but not discredited in Grade 2 chase at Auteuil when last seen in June. Interesting, sent handicapping over hurdles on first run for yard after leaving David Cottin. Has had wind surgery.

Won a handicap hurdle for Noel Meade last May but nowhere near that level in 2 starts for new yard this season.

Acquitted himself well in a couple of outings for Fergal O'Brien in 2022 but not seen for 17 months and market should prove best guide to expectations on return.

Returned to winning ways at Cartmel (17.2f) in July and acquitted himself well off higher marks since, latest when second of 5 (got racing with rival too far out) in handicap hurdle at Hereford (19.7f, good to soft) 42 days ago. Big player.

Won sole bumper start and 2 from 4 in novice hurdles during 2021/22. Didn't go on from his encouraging third at Ascot last season (didn't take to chasing), but he got back on track when runner-up in handicap hurdle at Wincanton (19.8f) in November. Shortlisted.

Seen to maximum effect under this pilot when making all in 11-runner handicap hurdle (14/1) at this course (16.6f, good to soft) 42 days ago, holding on gamely. Just 2 lb higher now and warrants respect.

Fairly useful Flat/hurdles winner for Gordon Elliott who took a step back in right direction when fourth of 6 in Kempton handicap hurdle (16f, good to soft) 14 days ago. This is tougher, though.

Won Plumpton novice (15.9f) last term and run with credit in a couple of handicaps this season, latest when sixth of 18 at Cheltenham (16.4f, good) in October. Worth a crack at this longer trip.

Modest form in 2 bumpers but better signs over hurdles, capitalising on drop in grade at Catterick (19.3f) last month. Opening mark demands more on handicap debut.

Irish raider who has found improvement since sent handicapping for new yard this term, winning at Down Royal (24.1f) and Punchestown (20.8f). Far from disgraced when seventh of 20 at Fairyhouse (19.8f, soft, 4/1) latest and is worth a second look in the market. 1 lb out of the weights.