Masterson Holdings Hurdle (GBB Race)

Fair Flat winner for this yard and landed first 4 starts over hurdles, including a C&D Grade 2 in November, but his form levelled off and he was soundly beaten in a couple of spring Grade 1s. Ran well back on the Flat to finish second at Salisbury (1¾m, good to soft) 3 weeks ago.

Successful in 2 of her first 3 starts in juvenile hurdles, including the Grade 2 Adonis at Kempton (2m, good to soft) in February. Derailed by an error as the race began to develop when third of 8 in a juvenile handicap at Sandown (2m, good to firm) last time and remains capable of better this year.

Rattled off a hurdles hat-trick at northern tracks last winter. Finished mid-field in the Triumph before looking full value for his subsequent much-improved third in the Grade 1 Anniversary at Aintree. Shaped as if he'd come on for his recent return at Market Rasen and he's high on the shortlist.

Bounced back to form from out of the blue when winning 8-runner 21f handicap hurdle at Sligo in August and has produced improved efforts in defeat both starts since, most recently when second of 14 in handicap hurdle at Ballinrobe (2¾m, good, 17/2) 43 days ago. This is tougher.

Acquitted himself well several times in defeat over hurdles last year, going down by a head in a Grade 1 at the Punchestown Festival. Easy to back and ran a lethargic race when only 28 lengths sixth of 11 in Persian War at Chepstow (19f, good to soft) on comeback 2 weeks ago, however.

Didn't need to improve on his in-frame efforts in a couple of Leopardstown graded events to land a Killarney maiden in May. Seemed not to get home upped to 19f when fourth in the Persian War 2 weeks ago (yard debut), so no surprise if he fares better here with cheekpieces added.

From a useful family and won 9-runner fillies newcomers hurdle at Pau in December by 1¾ lengths for J. Delaunay. Greenness apparent when fourth of 7 at Wetherby in February and was handled very considerately (rider suspended) when last seen at Bangor. Hard to see her being a factor here.