Grundon Novices' Handicap Hurdle (GBB Race)

Good-looking point winner. Needed his stable debut at Cartmel before capitalising on a good opportunity in match race at Kelso (21f). Beaten by more than the rise in class when pulled-up in Grade 2 Persian War since. Cheekpieces on for second handicap start and his revised mark looks harsh.

Quirky sort enhanced his strong Market Rasen record when notching a second win in 3 starts there in July. Again able to dictate when 3¼-length second at Perth the following month and isn't sure to stay this longer trip on return from 11 weeks away.

Capped a positive start for present yard with a belated first hurdle success at Chepstow in April. Didn't get much of a chance to enhance his fine record at that track on return (made a fairly serious error at halfway). That run should have blown away any cobwebs, and he's weighted to go well.

Much improved to get off the mark on handicap debut at Hereford (2m) in April. Travelled with plenty of verve in defeat thereafter, latterly when third on chasing debut (following a breathing operation) in July. Should at least hold his own in a deeper handicap hurdle than previously contested.

Brother to connections' useful 2m hurdler Secret Squirrel. Improved when runner-up in novices at Huntingdon/Taunton before failing to fire in a strong novice final at Sandown in April. Bred for this longer trip on his dam's side and can be given another chance following 6 months off.

Fairly useful Flat performer. Off the mark over hurdles in 2m Worcester maiden. Shaped as if on a good mark despite doing plenty wrong in both handicap starts there since (quirky/not a fluent jumper). Form of latest second working out well, though, and can go one better if putting it all together.

Lightly-raced 5-y-o. Runner-up in successive maiden hurdle starts, showing no ill-effects from recent tumbles over fences at Stratford (2¾m) latest. Opening mark demands a fair bit more again, but he looks the type who'll benefit from first-time cheekpieces.

Maiden who finished runner-up in lesser handicaps at Uttoxeter/Bangor this summer. Hardly shaped like one stepping back up in trip when well-held sixth at Chepstow (19f, soft) last time. Strong chance she'll get outpaced at some point against better opposition here.

Fair form to hit the frame in a couple of maiden hurdles for Gavin Cromwell last winter. Brought along quietly by present yard and now on an interesting mark with first-time tongue strap applied. Needs a market check (yard also run Beau Quali), for all he may lack the speed for a race like this.