JCB Handicap Hurdle

Found only an improver too strong in 2¾m Stratford handicap (good) 35 days ago. Should remain competitive off 2 lb higher.

Fair hurdle winner. Below that level over fences in the last 12 months but should be sharper for last month's Plumpton reappearance and the return to the smaller obstacles may see him in a better light.

Useful in bumpers but hasn't bettered fair form over hurdles, finishing last of 16 on Chepstow handicap debut/reappearance. Still early days but needs to leave that well behind.

Placed in maiden/novice hurdles at up to 2½m last season and made a respectable start to his handicap career when mid-division in a big field at Chepstow (19.5f) on last month's reappearance. Up in trip. Remains unexposed.

Bumper winner who opened his hurdles account in a 2m Warwick maiden over 2m in June. Reached the frame in his first 2 handicaps (including C&D) and prominent when unseating 4 out at Plumpton last Monday.

Runner-up on both completed starts in maiden hurdles but beaten 12 lengths into sixth on his 21f Warwick handicap debut last week.

Landed a fifth chase win over 2m at Sedgefield in September. Creditable third of 9 in 2m course handicap hurdle since but stamina an unknown on this very rare outing beyond around 2m.

Progressive form, making a mockery of an opening mark in the 90s over C&D last month. Even a 10 lb rise doesn't look enough to stop him with further progress likely.

Built on encouraging reappearance at the second time of asking when winning 8-runner Ludlow handicap (21f, good to soft) 18 days ago. Up 6 lb. Should go well again.

Improver over hurdles last season, ending his campaign with a pair of handicap wins over 19.5f at Huntingdon. Faded into a below-par fourth on 2m Warwick reappearance last month but could strip fitter now. First attempt over this far.