Royal Pug Handicap Hurdle

Fourth behind a couple of subsequent winners at Aintree in October but didn't improve immediately for switch to handicaps at Kempton the following month. That was a muddling race though, and it's still early days.

Distant runner-up in novice final at Worcester before improving to go one better at Ascot in November. Shaped as if still in good form there the following month and ought to be in the mix back down in grade.

Won all his three starts in 2023/24 and having not had things go his way following a long absence, got back up the up when successful at Hereford last month. Now 3-3 when making the running and not out of the question he can bag the lead again, for all he faces better ground/opposition.

Landed third career success (all good to soft) at Worcester in May and bounced back to form when runner-up at Southwell (20.4f, soft) last month. Return to better ground looks a positive and should hold his own against some less-exposed types.

Capitalised on good opportunities to win at Ludlow at start of season but hasn't exactly sparkled since, jumping poorly at Newbury on latest start.

Fairly useful hurdler at best but form has tailed off following a pair of creditable runs over fences to start the season.

Finished last season on the up with success at Fontwell and seems to be following a similar trajectory this time around, only bettered by one landing a 4-timer at Doncaster in late January. Makes plenty of appeal.

Winning pointer has shaped with promise to finish fourth in pair of 2½m hurdles and while 3m may prove his optimum, he still looks interesting making a quick switch to handicaps.

Bounced back to form following a break when runner-up in 2½m Southwell handicap (again traded at short odds in running) and while he's been freshened up again, this is a stronger race.