Happy Retirement Maurice & Anne Barnes Handicap Hurdle (Div 2)

Completed the hat-trick in decisive fashion at Sedgefield in December but he ran no sort of a race at Ayr recently and he's hard to recommend on the back of that display.

Matched the fair form he showed in bumpers when placing first 3 starts over hurdles. Hasn't improved for the switch to handicaps, though, first-time cheekpieces need to have a positive impact.

Confirmed positive start he's made for current connections and capitalised on reduced mark when winning 14-runner event over C&D last time by neck from Another High Five. Was well positioned that day but 4 lb rise isn't excessive and another good effort looks on the cards.

Opened her account in a 19.5f Chepstow handicap in November but disappointed when stepped up in trip at Doncaster last time; stamina was not the issue there, and this drop back in distance on a stiff track could prove ideal. Player.

Successful on first of 2 starts in Irish points and has shown signs of more ability on last 2 starts over hurdles. Will be suited by the stamina test that this track often provides and looks the type to take a step forward now handicapping.

Winless since May 2023 but put up a far more encouraging effort when 4 lengths fifth of 14 to Gardener at this course last time. Well treated if able to build on that effort, but just as likely to run poorly given overall profile.

Multiple winning pointer who would have a good chance based on of his ¾-length second of 10 to Brookside La in a novice handicap at Wetherby in December. Hasn't been in the same form since and was the first beaten in a maiden over C&D last time.

Front runner who likes to dominate on testing ground and gained a third success of the season in a 6-runner handicap chase at Market Rasen in February, but he struggled away from the mud last time and may not get things his own way up front here.

Little impact in maiden or handicap hurdles and faces an uphill task to be competitive here. Cheekpieces back on.

Temperamental sort who won at Hexham in May but has largely been let down by his attitude since and can't be considered a reliable betting proposition. Blinkers back on and races from 7 lb out of the handicap.