Valley Shoppers Dash Handicap Hurdle

Yet to score for current yard and was disappointing when last seen over fences at Ayr 6 months ago. Does have assistance of Sean Bowen back over hurdles at least.

Ran well back from 7 months off/wind surgery when third in the Haldon Gold Cup at Exeter in November but has struggled since, including in blinkers latest. Cheekpieces on for a second time now. Remains to be seen whether a return to hurdles sparks a revival.

Posted career best when winning 6-runner novice hurdle (6/4) at Kempton (21f, good) 19 days ago, going with enthusiasm. Likely more to come on switch to handicapping and is one for shortlist.

Proved a useful novice hurdler in 2022/23, winning on 3 occasions, but proved disappointing in 5 starts last term. Handicapper has cut him some slack but others hold more appeal. Tongue strap on first time.

Successful over fences at Wincanton and Southwell last year and returned with a pair of good runner-up efforts at Kempton in the autumn. Below form both starts since, though, and has something to prove back over the smaller obstacles.

Returned to form, back hurdling, when good second of 9 in handicap at Chepstow (16f, good) 15 days ago, running on. Step up in trip should suit and he must enter calculations.

Dual winner in 2022/23 who improved again to win 2m Chepstow handicap on reappearance in October. Rather gone backwards since but likely sounder surface here may see him in a better light. Cheekpieces back on.

Returned to form, after a breathing operation, when close second of 12 in handicap hurdle at Southwell (20.4f, good) 18 days ago. 5 lb rise fair and ought to go well again.

Aided by first-time blinkers when taking 7-runner handicap hurdle at Killarney (20f, good, 9/1) in summer of 2021 but not seen since and is likely best watched on return for new yard.

Relatively lightly-raced 8-y-o who caught the eye when fourth in Swinton Hurdle at Haydock last spring and has acquitted himself well in a couple of recent 2m handicaps at Chepstow. Could be a player if taking to this longer trip.

Dual winner (at up to 18.7f) last term who made an encouraging start for new connections when fifth of 15 in handicap hurdle (28/1) at Cheltenham (20.2f, good) 24 days ago, going with enthusiasm. Claims if building on that.

Won 5 times over fences last term and posted solid fourth, back from 6 months off, in handicap chase (22/1) at Chepstow (19.4f, good) 15 days ago. 9 lb lower in this sphere and can't be discounted.

Expensive purchase after winning a French juvenile in early 2021 but very sparingly seen on these shores and offered little on yard/chase debut at Ludlow in January. Best watched returned to hurdling here. Had wind operation.