Johnny & Tony Connell Memorial Handicap Hurdle (Div 2)

In good form here last summer, winning over 17f and runner-up over longer trips. Probably needed the run when down the field at Hexham on return 3 weeks ago, though it was still a shade alarming how quickly he cut out. Worth betting check returned to Cartmel.

Pulled up on his last 3 starts over fences and hopes are pinned that a first-time visor or return to hurdling will have a transformative effect.

Veteran who finished 2025 in good form, making it back-to-back thirds at Kelso in November. Added to a decent record fresh after a 4-month break when fourth at Carlisle (19f) in March and faced a stiff task from out of the weights at Ayr last time. He's considered back in more realistic company.

Shaped as if capable from scoring from this kind of mark when second of 15 in handicap hurdle at Hexham (2½m) back in June but ran poorly on the back of a 6-month break when last seen at Catterick in December. Needs to bounce back after another break.

Tumbled in the weights across a lengthy losing run but he stopped the slide fitted with blinkers when third of 10 in handicap hurdle at Perth (3m, good to soft, 11/1) 33 days ago. Player if able to back that up.

Winning pointer who seemed to achieve a little bit more than previously under Rules when third of 6 in novice hurdle at Hexham (2m, soft, 25/1) 16 days ago. That was a thin race and he's probably best watched up in trip for handicap debut.

Well backed on the back of a breathing operation and was much improved to win a 9-runner handicap hurdle at Carlisle (19f, good, 7/5) 51 days ago. Looks the one to beat from a 4 lb higher mark.

Out of the weights but much improved upped in trip when second of 8 in handicap hurdle at Warwick (25f, good) 21 days ago. Pulled clear of the remainder there and she's respected again.

Well beaten in handicaps at 2024/25 for Jackie Stephen and is probably only of note if market speaks positively returning for new yard after 16 months in first-time tongue strap.

Ran up to best when third of 8 in handicap at Plumpton (21f, good to soft) in April but not in same form at Fakenham 3 weeks ago. Place claims at best.