Fail To Plan, Plan To Fail Handicap Hurdle

C&D winner back in 2022 and has run respectably over hurdles and on Flat in recent months. May be vulnerable to less exposed types here, however.

Bumper winner in France. Sold quite cheaply from Nicky Henderson yard after showing some promise on hurdle debut and turned in easily his best effort for current yard when second of 7 in handicap hurdle at Sedgefield (16.8f, soft) 35 days ago, clear of rest. Likely contender.

Lightly-raced maiden over hurdles who hasn't been firing of late on level. Something to prove back in this discipline.

Fair maiden on Flat in Ireland who left his hurdles debut well behind when third of 11 in juvenile at Wetherby (16f, soft) 65 days ago. Switches to handicaps now and may have more to offer.

Fairly useful Flat winner for Richard Hughes who posted his best effort in this sphere for current yard when fourth of 10 in juvenile (10/1) at Ludlow (15.8f, soft) 25 days ago, not knocked about. Should be more to come on handicap hurdle debut.

Shaped well when runner-up in bumper at Warwick in October 2023 but hasn't run to same level in a handful of hurdle outings, including on handicap debut at Lingfield 30 days ago.

Well held in 2 bumpers but showed ability both starts over hurdles for Dan Skelton in May/June 2023. Back from 19 months off when creditable fifth of 16 in handicap hurdle at Warwick (19f, good to soft, 33/1) for new yard 41 days ago and is entitled to build on that.

Fairly useful 1m scorer on Flat for Charles Hills last summer. Sold for 46,000 gns and some promise (modest form) in first 2 starts over hurdles for new yard at the end of last year. Struggled on heavy ground at Wetherby latest but looks nicely treated on switch to handicaps here.

Winner on Flat at Nottingham (1¼m) for Ed Dunlop in October and acquitted himself well in a couple of starts over timber for new stable since, latest when fourth in juvenile at Catterick (15.7f, good to soft) 30 days ago. Enters calculations on handicap bow. Wears first-time tongue strap.

Made the frame again when respectable fourth of 10 in handicap hurdle at Market Rasen (16.6f, good to soft) 26 days ago. Should give another good account but others appeal more for win purposes.

Looks fairly limited on early evidence, pulling hard when fifth of 6 in juvenile hurdle at Fontwell (17.7f, good to firm, 16/1) 6 months ago. Hood is fitted for handicap debut but he makes minimal appeal from 3 lb out of the weights.

Remains a maiden after 23 runs NH starts and has failed to complete the last twice. 3 lb out of the handicap.