Molson Coors Handicap Hurdle (Div 1)

Forward-going sort who was twice a winner at Bangor last year. Added to a patchy record with poor runs at Uttoxeter/Worcester subsequently and record fresh (returning from 10 months off here) isn't anything special.

Useful middle-distance handicapper at best on Flat. Well below that level but probably unlucky not to collect on second start current yard at Warwick (2m) before disappointing at Newton Abbot. Certainly worth a go over markedly longer trip, and could yet have a race in him off this sort of mark.

Won by wide margin on heavy ground when making it back-to-back successes in this race 12 months ago. Has proven effective (without winning) away from testing conditions and can be forgiven his effort in better race here last time. Expected to make a bold bid to defend his crown.

Successful in course novice handicap (17f) before being turned out quickly to finish runner-up in a division of this race 12 months ago. Finding his form so far this season (unsuited by drop back in trip latest) and could make more impact here.

Lightly-raced 5-y-o looks to be being brought along steadily by capable yard. Ran better than on return when beaten 13 lengths at Market Rasen (21f) last time, and he could easily take another step forward over a slightly longer trip.

Capitalised on much-reduced mark to get off the mark over C&D last time. His dominance may have been overstated by the runner-up wilting, but he's relatively unexposed and should give another good account off 10 lb higher.

Fell when likely to have gone close sole start in points. Fair form to place all 3 bumper starts. Hasn't translated that ability to hurdles, never looking like justifying support in testing conditions here (17f) 12 months ago. At least worth a market check returning over significantly longer trip.

Long-standing maiden under Rules. Hit the frame in 3 consecutive handicaps last season. Hasn't looked in anything like the same form since returning from a break.

Maiden pointer in Ireland. Little solid form over hurdles for current connections and fared no better sent chasing at Hexham latest. Hopes pinned on marked step up in trip/more severe headgear on return to hurdling.