Southern Cranes Handicap Hurdle

Back to form when second of 9 over an extended 3m at Wincanton on Boxing Day. Ran about as well could be expected when sixth of 15 in the very competitive Lanzarote at Kempton (21f) since. Should go well back in calmer waters.

Didn't go on from a hurdle debut success in Ireland for Gordon Elliott last season but has got his career firmly back on track when runner-up in a pair of handicaps for Olly Murphy in recent months. Likely to give another good account.

Ended his time with James Ewart with a Kelso maiden hurdle success last May and improved again to follow up on handicap debut for new yard for 5 months. Better form in defeat in Cheltenham handicaps since and likely to have a say in this slightly less competitive environment.

Won 2m Newbury handicap chase last winter. Just as good when runner-up at Chepstow (19.5f) and back at Newbury (2m) on his final 2 outings of last season but Ascot reappearance before Christmas was disappointing. Now reverts to hurdling.

On a losing run and recent efforts have been disappointing, pulling up at Fakenham only 8 days ago.

3m winner at Doncaster last March. Bettered that form when third of 17 in a valuable handicap at Uttoxeter later that month. Has yet to fire this season but went with more zest with cheekpieces added (retained) when sixth of 10 in Ascot Class 2 handicap latest. Given a chance by the handicapper.

Notched fourth hurdles success when striking at Leicester at the end of November. Gave it a good shot when beaten just over 2 lengths into fifth in a big-field handicap at Ascot before Christmas but needs to shrug off a lesser run at Sandown since.