Leicester Racecourse Handicap Hurdle

Progressive when recording three wins over hurdles in the 2023/24 season but ran poorly in a trio of novice handicap chases at the back end of last year. Plenty to prove returning to hurdles following 11 months off.

Left his first 2 efforts behind when winning Ffos Las novice (2m4f, soft) in April and improved again when a close runner-up on handicap debut at Sandown (19.8f, good) 3 weeks ago. 4 lb rise looks fair and this lightly raced gelding may progress again for top yard.

Bumper winner makes plenty of appeal on looks/pedigree and impressed when running away with a C&D maiden in November last year. Advanced his form when third in a competitive race for the grade on handicap debut at Carlisle (17.2f) and there could be more improvement to come stepping back up in trip.

Plenty of solid form as novice hurdler and he resumed progress on second start this season, travelling well when winning 11-runner handicap hurdle at Uttoxeter (19.9f, soft). That race is working out well and he has strong claims off a 5 lb higher mark.

Fairly useful at best but losing run stretches back well over 2 years. Should be better for his recent run at Aintree (effectively his seasonal reappearance) and interesting to see if he can make more of an impact down in grade/distance.

Better than ever when landing back-to-back handicap chases at Exeter in January 2024 on first two starts for current yard and still in good heart over fences when hitting the frame twice that spring. Can go well fresh (off 19 months) and market should guide racing off 10 lb lower hurdle mark.

Bumper/hurdle winner for Olly Murphy in 2021/22 and seemingly every bit as good despite a long lay-off when third in a 9-runner handicap at Uttoxeter in May last year. Down in grade but remains to seen if he retains the same ability following a further 19-month absence.

Relished conditions when opening his account in a 2½m handicap at Ffos Las (heavy) last November. Hit and miss since (unable to justify strong support at Bangor earlier in the year) but could feature if stepping forward from his creditable comeback last month.

Lightly raced sort who looked a little awkward when third of 5 in a novice hurdle at Stratford in May and likely needed the outing when a well held fifth on reappearance at Hereford (28/1) last month. Worth a check to see if the market expects better.