RW Hough & Sons Novices' Handicap Hurdle

Three chase wins last season but not at best on his last 2 starts. Lower mark back hurdling but others arrive with more pressing claims.

Improved over hurdles since tongue tied, building on her Fakenham second in April when going one better at Warwick (21f, good to soft) last month. Could be plenty more to come now she's turned the corner. Leading claims.

Placed on the first of 2 starts in bumpers and fair form when fourth in maidens on first 2 completed starts over hurdles. His 2 handicap runs subsequently have been disappointing (had wind surgery and off 5 months in between) but it's still too soon to be writing him off.

Offered something to work on at huge odds on hurdles debut at Ludlow in October but hasn't kicked on subsequently, including in 3 handicaps.

Made a winning start to his handicap career over C&D (good) 3 weeks ago. Only nudged up 4 lb and an unexposed profile provides the hope for better still. Considered.

Fair form on Flat for John Joseph Murphy in Ireland. Initial efforts in this sphere were low key but upped his game when third on 2m course handicap debut in April. Failed to build on that when sixth over 18.5f at Stratford since, looking a bit laboured. Cheekpieces go on in a bid to sharpen him up.

Poor form. Ninth of 10 on 3m Ludlow handicap debut 27 days ago. Needs major improvement.

One-time fairly useful Flat performer but yet to get anywhere near that form over hurdles. Off 7 months, well beaten on Flat at Ayr 25 days ago. Easily passed over.