Victor Lucas Memorial Handicap Hurdle

Still looked tricky for the fitting of more severe headgear but ultimately bounced back to his best when successful under this conditional at Uttoxeter last time. However, a 5 lb rise may scupper his chances of following up.

Four-time winner found her run of good form coming to a halt in a stronger handicap at Haydock last time, though is probably the type to bounce back quickly.

Returned to his Irish form when landing a gamble with ease at Bangor and while this is a stronger race, he could easily have more to offer now up and running for the Skeltons.

Went backwards following a promising start to the season, again hinting at temperament when well beaten on final start for the Hobbs & White yard in mid-March, and he has something to prove in a first-time tongue strap on stable debut.

Seemed to benefit from the step back up in trip/switch to hold-up tactics when opening his account in handicaps over C&D and having run at least as well in defeat (despite hanging left) when fourth of 6 in a better race at Wetherby in late-March, he needs considering in his current vein of form.

Things haven't gone to plan for this dual winner since unseating (when running a fine race) this time last year at Worcester. Not out of the question he bounces back returning from 5 months off, though, having won fresh previously.

Justified strong support when dead-heating at Carlisle (19f) in March and while his finishing effort was a little disappointing when fourth in a solid handicap over the same C&D subsequently, he's certainly worth a go over this longer trip.

Won a maiden hurdle in Ireland for Stuart Crawford last summer but has shown nothing in a pair of starts for his new yard.