Find & Strike Novices' Handicap Hurdle (GBB Race)

Useful bumper performer who improved again to get off the mark over hurdles at Taunton (19f) in December and followed up over same C&D 10 days later. 8 lb higher now but remains open to improvement.

£35,000 purchase after getting off the mark in Irish points at the third time of asking and has shown gradual improvement in a trio of starts over timber, latest when good third in novice at Lingfield (23f, soft) 13 days ago. Tries handicapping now but drop back in trip isn't guaranteed to suit.

Fortunate winner (left clear when well held at last) on debut at Newbury in December but improved significantly when third of 9 in novice hurdle (11/2) at Hereford (21.7f, good to soft) last month and could have more to offer on handicap debut.

£135,000 buy after finishing runner-up sole outing in Irish points. Much better when fourth in novice hurdle at Warwick (16f) in November and improved again when winning 11-runner handicap at Ffos Las (20f, heavy) 33 days ago, driven out. 7 lb higher now but must enter calculations.

Runner-up sole start in Irish points and stepped up on bumper efforts when making a winning hurdling debut at Uttoxeter (15.8f) in November. Improved under a penalty when good third of 7 in novice hurdle at Ludlow (21.2f, soft) latest and looks a likely player on handicap bow.