Pertemps Network Handicap Hurdle (GBB Race)

Won 2 of his final 3 starts in his novice campaign and picked up where he left off with a career-best victory in an 8-runner handicap at Chepstow (19.4f, heavy) 18 days ago. Promises to stay this far and 8 lb rise may not get to the bottom of him.

Well backed before getting off the mark for current connections in a 7-runner handicap hurdle at this course (18.9f, heavy) 49 days ago. Stepped up markedly in trip and 10 lb higher in the weights but can't be dismissed.

Scopey sort who raised her game when landing the EBF Mares' Final at Newbury last March. Has progressed further this year, looking better than ever when winning 7-runner event at Plumpton (25f, good to soft, 7/2) 19 days ago. Can prove competitive from 6 lb higher mark.

Useful handicap hurdler at his best who capitalised on a reduced mark when going in at Leicester (2m) in November. Continued in good heart since, scoring again in an 8-runner handicap hurdle at Warwick (25f, soft, 8/1) 35 days ago. Still respected in this deeper contest.

Didn't take to chasing last season but ended campaign with pair of creditable placed efforts back over hurdles. Cheekpieces replace visor on return from 9 months off, so market check advised.

Improver when sent handicapping last season, including a 3¼m win at Warwick. Fair effort when sixth in a competitive handicap at Haydock in November, though shaped as if amiss when pulled up at Wincanton last time. Yard tends to hit form this time of year so not ruled out.

Made winning start over hurdles at Uttoxeter in October and has held form well since, likely to have scored again at Catterick (19.3f, soft) 24 days ago with a better jump at the last. Opening mark looks workable and he's a player.

Completed hat-trick in 5-runner event at Hexham (23.3f, heavy) in October and produced another fine effort in defeat when runner-up in 6-runner C&D handicap (heavy) 56 days ago. Player with 10 lb claimer aboard.

Winner at Kelso in December 2022 but hasn't finished any better than mid-field in 4 starts this season. Others preferred.

Winless and relatively lightly raced since landing this race for Dr Richard Newland in 2022. Showed some ability remains when fifth of 8 in handicap hurdle (33/1) at Carlisle (25f, soft) 62 days ago but this is a tougher task with tongue tie and cheekpieces now applied.