bet365 Scottish County Handicap Hurdle (GBB Race)

Useful hurdler who made the most of good opportunity (sole rival amiss) when winning a listed mares' event at Wetherby (2m, good) in November. Creditable fourth in Grade 2 Ascot Hurdle 3 weeks later but not on her game when only third when 11/10 for a 3m Doncaster listed mares' race last month.

Not many improve for leaving Dan Skelton but this 7-y-o has done just that, winning pair of 2m Kempton handicaps in recent weeks. Raised another 6 lb but further progress can't be discounted in his current mood.

Victor Ludorum winner at Haydock last winter and returned to make a successful start to his handicap hurdle career at Chepstow (2m, good to firm) in October. Two lesser efforts have followed, though.

Winner at this meeting for the last 2 years, including this race 12 months ago. Has posted respectable efforts in top-end 2m handicaps at Cheltenham and Ascot this winter and has dipped to only 1 lb above last year's winning mark. Likely to make another bold bid in this race.

Has tasted success here on the Flat and over hurdles but this useful sort had no apparent excuses when only sixth of 9 in 2½m course handicap on New Year's Day. Respectable seventh of 11 on AW Flat at Newcastle since.

Likeable type who won 5 times (1 Fla, 4 hurdle) between September and December but his run of good form came to a halt when well beaten in a valuable event at Windsor 15 days ago.

Won this in 2024 and length second to Welsh Charger 12 months ago. Warmed up for this year's renewal with a creditable 5¼ lengths fourth of 9 to Star of Guiting over C&D on New Year's Day. Losing run mounting up but his strong C&D record affords him plenty of respect.

Improved again to make a winning handicap debut over C&D in November, driven out by 4¾ lengths from Star of Guiting. Not in the same form when behind that same rival over C&D on New Year's Day but no surprise were he to resume his progression now.

Fairly useful sort who has finished third in 2m handicaps at Huntingdon and Kelso on his 2 completed starts this season. Brian Hughes seemingly prefers City of Diamonds.

Dual juvenile winner for Nigel Twiston-Davies last season and his strong-travelling style has proved well suited to this C&D for new yard, winning a 9-runner handicap on New Year's Day. 4 lb out of the handicap here so effectively has a 10 lb higher mark to overcome this time.