Halo Leisure More Than Just A Gym Handicap Hurdle

Course novice winner. Now 5 lb lower mark than his success in a Ffos Las handicap hurdle 12 months ago. Ended last season below form, though, and has a 7-month absence to overcome (record fresh is ordinary).

Fair winner of heavy-ground Fontwell handicap in 2024/5 season. Out of sorts in 5 starts for current connections, including on return at Chepstow last time.

Won a couple of small-field points prior to finishing first past the post in a hunter chase (later disqualified) at Warwick (3m) in May. Forced the pace when well-beaten favourite there (2½m) on return. Back hurdling over longer trip and worth another chance on second start for an in-form yard.

Standout effort this season when 2½-length second of 4 at Huntingdon (25f) in May. Doesn't do anything quickly and more severe headgear/forecast rain can presumably only benefit.

Ground-versatile maiden. Didn't kick on after splitting a pair of next-time-out winners on reappearance in Market Rasen handicap hurdle last season. Now back hurdling on a tempting mark, and this could be the time to catch him following a break.

Point winner. Allowed the run of things when just edged out on handicap debut at Taunton (3m, good) in April. That remains a standout effort, though, not getting very far in first-time headgear (now removed) second time up this season.

All-or-nothing maiden who finished 8-length third in a C&D handicap (good to soft) on latest hurdle start in March. Now 7 lb lower in the weights, stepping back up in trip (with cheekpieces refitted) following a laboured return over fences at Worcester (2½m, soft).

Lightly-raced mare. Resumed progress back up in trip when off the mark under a good-value amateur at Newton Abbot (3¼m, good) last time. Still relatively unexposed as a stayer and has to enter calculations.