Green Dragon Hotel Hereford Handicap Hurdle

Inconsistent in handicaps, finishing third of 8 at Market Rasen on good ground in December but disappointing on softer ground twice since. Bounce back needed now stepping up in trip.

Four-time hurdle winner. Has drawn a blank in his 5 outings this season but latest 2½m Ffos Las third was creditable and the step back up in trip should suit.

C&D winner (good to soft) in December and might have needed the outing when fifth over C&D 3 months later. Enters calculations with outing behind him.

Has improved for the step up to staying trips the last twice, finishing second over C&D and 3¼m at Fontwell on his last 2 outings. Bumped into a next-time-out winner at latter venue and still looks well treated after a 2 lb nudge.

Dual winner last season who has reached the frame on all 4 outings this term without necessarily shaping as if her next win is imminent.

Fifth hurdle success when seeing off 7 rivals at Huntingdon (25f, soft) in November but hasn't been in the same form when reaching the frame on his 2 outings since.

Point winner in January 2024 but it's been a long time since this veteran last hit the target under Rules and a leap of faith is needed having pulled up the last twice.