John And Maryanne Birch Memorial Handicap Hurdle

Showed ability on his only start in Irish bumpers (for P. M. J. Doyle) having earlier won a point. Low-key start over hurdles so far for this stable but may do better now switched to a handicap.

Fairly useful maiden hurdler at his best but he proved to be a disappointment on debut for new yard here in September and has fared no better since. Plenty to prove.

Sixteen runs since last win in 2023 but wasn't entirely disgraced when fourth of 6 in handicap hurdle at Hereford (16.2f, good) 28 days ago. Eased further in the weights.

Bagged handicaps at Fakenham and at Plumpton last winter but well held in a pair of Flat handicaps in early summer and offered little back from 4 months off at latter venue last time.

Attracted support and made a winning debut in good style in 9-runner bumper at Exeter in February 2023. Disappointing so far over hurdles, including on reappearance at Wincanton last time. Needs to have benefited from a recent breathing operation.

Runner-up in a point in May but well held all 3 starts over hurdles, albeit showing a bit more than previously at Stratford (16.3f, heavy) just over 6 weeks ago. Improvement needed on handicap debut.

Little promise in 3 runs last season but has a good pedigree and appeals as the type to do better now venturing into handicaps over a slightly longer trip.

Took a step back in the right direction when fourth of 13 in handicap hurdle at Southwell (15.8f, good, 13/2) 14 days ago. Needs to build on that now.

Of little account and looks set for another struggle from well out of the weights.