Safran Landing Systems Handicap Hurdle (GBB Race)

Tough and likeable sort who has won some very good races over hurdles/fences over the years. Has shown he's still capable of smart form over fences this season and a big weight shouldn't prevent him being competitive back over the smaller obstacles.

Strong traveller who resumed his progress when landing 8-runner handicap hurdle at Aintree (3m, good) in November. Good second at Market Rasen later that month and this largely consistent sort is capable of bouncing back from a poor run at the Festival in March. Second to Zain Nights last year.

Five-time winner over hurdles for this stable, including at Ascot (23.5f) in February. Creditable fifth of 17 in a strong race at Uttoxeter (23f, soft) last month.

Useful stayer on Flat and much improved over hurdles last spring, with the middle leg of a 3m hat-trick coming in this race at the expense of Harbour Lake. Showed this is his time of year again when striking in a first-time visor at Newbury (3m, good) last month. Respected off 4 lb higher.

Won staying handicaps hurdles at Doncaster and Huntingdon this winter but well beaten off this mark in the Pertemps Final at the Festival. A career best will be needed.

Resumed his progress with a deserved win over C&D (good to soft) in December. Shaped as if still in good form from a 7 lb higher mark when 7 fourth of 10 at Wincanton (25f) on Boxing Day. Claims if resuming from a break in similar form.

Useful chase winner for Paul Nicholls in March 2023 but lost his way badly last season and pulled up back hurdling for new yard in the Martin Pipe at the Festival. Has lots to prove.

Progressive handicapper, winning 4 times in 2024. Improved again when second of 11 at Newbury (20.5f, good to soft) and leading claims now returned to 3m after a break.

Close second to Zain Nights at Haydock last spring but hasn't recaptured that form this winter, finishing a remote second at Warwick last time. Back on a workable mark if staging a revival after wind surgery.