Burlington Stone Novices' Limited Handicap Hurdle

Opened his hurdling account at Hexham in March and made superb start for new connections when a 13-lengh winner back at that venue a week ago. Escapes a penalty for that so very much the one to beat if stamina holds.

Won Stratford handicap chase this time last year for Jamie Snowden but offered little in a trio of subsequent starts for that yard and fared no better for new yard at this venue over fences a month ago. Cheekpieces back on.

Poor form in Ireland but well backed and much more like it when third of 10 at Perth 3 weeks ago (3m). Claims with a repeat performance.

Well backed and improved for increased emphasis on stamina when landing a 9-runner handicap at Newton Abbot (26.5f) 3 weeks ago. Wandered off a true line on a couple of occasions but cheekpieces may help in that regard.

Limited impact in points for new connections this spring and tailed off vefore halfway in a 21f handicap chase here on Friday. Hard to fancy turned out quickly over hurdles.

Typically raced lazily and while he was 13 lengths behind Dickens in handicap hurdle at Hexham (16.2f, good) 7 days ago, that was good enough for second. Back up in distance.

Failed to land a gamble on first run since leaving Billy Aprahamian when creditable third of 8 in handicap hurdle at Worcester (20f) last month. Failed to build on that at Stratford since.

Consistent rather than progressive at a modest level, not really shaping like a winner in waiting in 2m handicaps. Hopes rest on marked step up in distance.