Rachel Jones Memorial Handicap Hurdle

Better than ever with 2 chase wins last summer. Off 9 months, might have needed his comeback run over fences here 3 weeks ago and does have a lower mark to work with over hurdles.

Back to form with a bang to take advantage of his reduced mark at Ludlow and over C&D under Charlie Maggs last month. Retains handicapping scope on best form even after a further 5 lb rise. Should go well on hat-trick bid.

Prolific since joining Robbie Llewellyn, gaining a fifth win for the yard in a handicap chase at Ludlow in November. Given a break after a couple of below-par runs in December and back on song when second of 13 over C&D 3 weeks ago. Respected.

Relatively lightly-raced 8-y-o who caught eye when fourth in Swinton Hurdle at Haydock last spring. Shaped well quite well in a pair of 2m Chepstow handicaps on his return to action in April and better than result (failed to stay 2f1) at Warwick latest. Interesting having been eased another 2 lb.

Has tumbled in the weights but no obvious sign of a revival back from a short break at Southwell last month. Needs first-time blinkers (which are added to a tongue tie) to have a positive effect.

Enhanced excellent course record with 2 wins over this trip for Donald McCain last summer. Well held in 2 Flat outings and an Aintree handicap hurdle for new yard in recent months so hopes are pinned on a return to this venue sparking him back to life.

Made a winning handicap debut in 13-runner event at Hereford (2m, good to soft) in November 2022. Off 18 months, shaped as if retaining his ability when fifth of 9 in 2m Huntingdon handicap 6 weeks ago.

Impressive winner of a novice at Warwick for Dan Skelton in May 2022 but left that yard after finishing well held at Uttoxeter a month later and well held when taking a late fall at Hereford on his belated return to action 26 days ago.

Modest form over hurdles during the winter, including well beaten when sent off 15/8 favourite for a 2m Musselburgh handicap in February. Comfortably held in 2 maidens on the Flat in Ireland this spring. Tough to make a case for on form but it's still early days with him.