Smith And Western Hoedown Handicap Hurdle

Made a winning hurdling debut at Roscommon in June but below that level both outings for present yard and has been handed a stiff-looking mark.

Showed improved form making handicap debut on the back of a breathing operation when second of 7 at Warwick (16f, good to soft, 9/1) 19 days ago, barely adequate test. Must enter calculations with return to further sure to suit.

C&D winner who confirmed himself back in better form when third of 10 in handicap hurdle at this course (19.1f, good to soft) 22 days ago. Looks one to be interested in again.

Showed clear promise in maiden/novice hurdles but disappointed on second handicap start when pulled up at Taunton in November. Has since had a breathing operation.

C&D winner who made it back-to-back tame finishes at Stratford (18.7f) 18 days ago. Has eased a little further in the weights but has enough to prove.

Successful twice on the Flat in summer and also landed C&D handicap in September. Recorded a solid third of 6 back here in November but ran poorly at Windsor since.

Flat winner in France who readily landed juvenile hurdle over C&D in December 2023. However, has gone backwards in 3 subsequent outings and hopes pinned on first-time blinkers sparking a rival.

Improved to get off the mark over hurdles in a 19f Taunton handicap in November and followed up on his next completed start at Wincanton. Ran at least as well in defeat back at aforementioned track last time and remains of interest on first start for a new yard (formerly with Anthony Charlton).

Modest maiden on the Flat who failed to match previous form over hurdles in a first-time tongue strap when only sixth of 8 on handicap debut last month. Improvement needed.

Twenty one runs since last win in 2022 and was pulled up in handicap chase at Exeter (19.2f, good to soft) on most recent outing. Lots to prove back over hurdles in a first-time visor.