Molson Coors Cartmel Cup Handicap Hurdle

Lost his way for the Willie Mullins yard after completing a cross-code hat-trick in listed handicap hurdle at Fairyhouse in November. Fared no better for a significantly longer trip at Uttoxeter (23f, 40/1) latest. Handicapper has given him a chance ahead of third start for current yard.

Confirmed the promise of her stable debut third at Aintree (form working out well) when successful in well-run C&D handicap in late-May. Produced a rare below-par effort here subsequently but isn't discounted if back on song following further 7 weeks off.

Promising bumper/maiden hurdle winner earlier in his career. Back to form returned to patient tactics lately, following up his smooth Bangor win with something to spare at Worcester in mid-June. A rare Cartmel runner for in-form Ben Pauling and he looks to have live chance of making a hat-trick.

C&D winner finished third in this corresponding event 12 months ago. Returns off 16 lb higher following a remarkable end to 2025. Probably in the grip of the handicapper, for all he may have still needed the run when down the field on the Flat latest.

Largely consistent type with 4 wins for current yard. Produced a creditable effort in first-time cheekpieces to finish 7¾ lengths fourth in a typically competitive Summer Hurdle last month. Headgear goes back on following a lesser effort over a longer trip at Newton Abbot last week.

Underlined a promising start for current yard when runner-up (clear of subsequent winner) at Catterick (19f, good to soft) in late-February. Likely needed his reappearance in first-time blinkers at Perth last time. Isn't totally discounted, especially if the ground becomes testing.

Once useful on Flat. Off the mark at second time of asking over hurdles at Uttoxeter in summer 2024. Sole start since came when shaping as though amiss on return from over 2 years off on the Flat 3 weeks ago. Hard to be confident given his profile, even with Sean Bowen booked for hurdles return.

Showed improved form when successful in Worcester maiden last month. Backed that up with a creditable 1¾-length second on handicap bow at Uttoxeter. This is much more competitive, however, he's lightly raced and on a fair mark.

Hasn't kicked on since making a winning start over fences. Now reverts to hurdles for first time since joining shrewd local yard (very interesting on the pick of his form for Dan Skelton last year), and he could run a big race with Brian Hughes taking over.

Ground-versatile performer who had some strong form here prior to pulling up in this corresponding event 12 months ago. Had been in fine heart on the Flat but didn't go with his usual zest when well held over C&D in late-June. Could be worth another chance following 9-week break.

Fair 1¼m Flat winner who opened his account in this sphere at Stratford last June. Produced a career best when close third behind a subsequent winner at Worcester in early-July. Up in grade but should hold his own if returning in similar form 8 weeks on.