BetMGM Holloway's Handicap Hurdle (GBB Race)

Grade 2 novice hurdle winner last season and also third in 20.5f Punchestown Grade 1 final start. Below that level on completed start over fences in the autumn and ought of depth when fifth in Christmas Hurdle at Kempton back over the smaller obstacles on Boxing Day. This much more realistic.

Won the County Hurdle at Cheltenham Festival in 2023. Showed he retains most of that ability when third of 18 in Greatwood at Cheltenham in November and shaped a bit better than eighth of 13 suggests in 2m course handicap since. Races mainly at 2m but chase winner here over this sort of trip.

Smart under both codes earlier in his career but hard to be sure how much of that ability remains, finishing a well-held fourth back hurdling at Sandown last month. Has first-time cheekpieces applied to regular tongue tie. His yard also won this race last year.

Five-time winner over hurdles, including a career best here (23.5f) last February. Not at the top of his game in 3 outings this season but is starting to look well handicapped again.

Lightly raced 7yo who has improved over hurdles since handicapping, building on 2m Wincanton second when going one better at Hereford (19.5f, soft) with a tongue tie added. Could be more to come.

Career-best effort to land a 25-runner handicap hurdle at Punchestown (19f, good to soft) last April. Might have needed the run when a below-form seventh in 2 comeback runs this winter and the handicapper has cut him a bit of slack. First-time blinkers replace cheekpieces.

Fairly useful Flat winner in France and similar standard over hurdles, posting good efforts in 2m handicaps at Wetherby and Sandown (both soft) this winter. Considered.

3m winner at Doncaster last March. Bettered that form when third of 17 in a valuable handicap at Uttoxeter (23f, soft) later that month but has yet to fire this season. It remains to be seen whether this drop back in trip and addition of cheekpieces help to spark a revival.

Smooth-travelling sort who made it 3 wins in his last 4 starts when seeing off 9 rivals at Kempton (21f, good) on Boxing Day. A 6 lb rise doesn't look enough to prevent another bold bid from this progressive sort.

Fairly useful hurdler who resumed from 6 months off (had breathing op during absence) with a good second at Chepstow in October. Ran at least as well when third in a strong handicap over 2m here in November but latest Hereford run was poor.