IM Group Handicap Hurdle

Won this race 12 months ago and resumed winning ways when dead-heating over 21f at Kelso (good) last month. Should remain competitive off 3 lb higher.

Gained breakthrough victory at Down Royal (3m) in October and good in-frame efforts on both complete starts since, latterly fourth of 18 at Punchestown (3m, good to soft). Likely to have a big say for Gordon Elliott.

Successful 3 times last summer, including C&D under Sean Bowen. Respectable fifth of 7 at Worcester (2½m, good) 16 days ago, unsuited by way race developed. Tongue strap back on. Has returned to the mark he won off here. Has to enter calculations.

Won at Kelso last May. Followed that by finishing a respectable 13½ lengths fifth of 9 to Maillot Blanc in this race (final start for Paul Robson). Off since but has joined a yard which is building up a good record with new recruits. Interesting.

Presumably needed a recent course outing after 6 months off and is a former winner of this race. At the veteran stage now but still no surprise were he to go well.

0-20 over hurdles but came good at the first time of asking over fences over 3m in the mud here last October. Hasn't got close to that level in 3 subsequent chase starts (including here this spring) and it remains to be seen whether a return to hurdles improves matters.

Had a cracking spell over hurdles last spring, winning 4 times between March and May. Didn't really take to chasing when last seen in the autumn but has dropped to a favourable mark if reviving back hurdling after a break.

Failed to win over hurdles for Gillian Boanas but reached the frame on several occasions and has been the subject of a significant trainer change since finishing third at Musselburgh in March. Has had a breathing operation. Gets the vote, with confidence increased should betting vibes be strong.

Increasingly temperamental mare who looked regressive over hurdles last season. Seemingly stopped the slide when fourth of 8 on 3m course chase debut in April but ran no sort of race at Cartmel since.

Well beaten in a couple of points and hasn't fared much better over hurdles. It remains to be seen whether a significant step up in trip helps matters. Also has a hood and tongue tie combined for the first time.

Fourteen runs since last win in 2024. Creditable third of 8 at Exeter (23f) in April but underperformed when seventh of 11 at Hexham (23f, good to soft) since.

Maiden. Reached the frame in course handicap hurdles (including this trip) last autumn but ran as if amiss on 2m Sedgefield chase debut on return from 6 months off in April. Off another 10 weeks since. Significantly back up in trip.

Shaped as if retaining ability after 13 months off when fourth of 11 in handicap hurdle at Hexham (23f, good to soft, 11/1) 19 days ago. Enters calculations with that run behind him.