Old Gold Racing Handicap Hurdle (GBB Race)

€135,000 purchase who opened his hurdles account at the third attempt at Taunton (16.5f) in April. Low-key handicap debut at Sandown a fortnight later but up on the up this autumn following breathing surgery, winning both starts. Penalty to carry but a bold hat-trick bid forthcoming.

Resumed winning ways in 6-runner handicap hurdle at Bangor in May and not far off that level when third from 4 lb higher at Newton Abbot 3 weeks later. Same mark here but he has no secrets from anyone rising 11.

Useful novice who completed a hat-trick in mares' company last season. Shaped well off a break when fourth in a Grade 2 novice at Kelso in the spring and also caught the eye on last month's return to action at Chepstow. Expected to step up on that.

Irish point winner who also bagged 2m4f novice hurdles here and at Sedgefield last winter. Heavy defeats twice since, including on handicap debut/reappearance on return from a breathing operation last month and this will reveal more.

Finished outside the frame for the first time over jumps when fifth in the Summer Hurdle but that performance can be marked up given his wider than ideal route. In good order on the level since then, second at Goodwood before going one place better on the AW. Tries this trip for the first time.

Yet to fulfil the promise shown as a novice hurdler but back to form in headgear when resuming winning ways in a Fontwell handicap in September. Ran well in defeat when fourth in a deeper race at Uttoxeter but unable to adopt usual forcing tactics when well held latest. Visor back on.

Ran his best race of the season when fitted with cheekpieces, rallying from 2 out to finish fifth of 13 in handicap hurdle at Ascot in December. Fifth both starts on the level last month and fitness is therefore assured.

Bumper/maiden hurdle winner who hasn't found things plain sailing since, though much more like it when second of 9 at Chepstow on the back of a breathing operation in April. Off since but he's in good hands.

Form of his Chepstow third in December worked out well and he resumed winning ways when stepped up just short of 21f at Huntingdon a month later. Shaped as though still in good form at Kempton in February and sound reappearance at Cheltenham means he commands respect.