Alder Demain & Akers Handicap Hurdle

On a hat-trick after wins at Kempton (Flat) and Hereford (hurdle) last month. Well on top at the latter venue 8 days ago and a 7-lb penalty seems unlikely to prevent a bold bid.

Promise when fourth on all 3 completed starts over hurdles last season, latterly a 2m Plumpton handicap in February. First outing for 8 months and brings unexposed potential to the table.

Gained another Flat win at Brighton in May. Recent efforts in that sphere haven't been quite as good but still rates a potential improver now handicap hurdling for the first time.

A fairly useful Flat winner for Ian Williams who made a positive to his handicap hurdle career for new trainer Olly Murphy when third of 11 at Market Rasen (19f, good) 38 days ago. Has had a breathing operation since (also tongue tied first time). Considered.

Won at Huntingdon (2½m) last November and added to his tally in 17f Aintree handicap when last seen in May. No great record fresh to date so possibly best to look elsewhere this time.

Struck at the second time of asking for Dan Skelton in 2m Uttoxeter handicap last month. Raised 9 lb for that but it'll be a surprise if he doesn't have more to come for this excellent yard.

Consistent sort. Has plenty of solid form in defeat since doubling his career/Worcester tally in June (2m), including third of 8 in 19f Stratford handicap 17 days ago. Wears first-time cheekpieces. No reason why he won't give his running again.

Fairly useful winner over both hurdles and fences for Dan Skelton but has yet to fully fire for this yard, beaten a long way in Stratford handicap chases on last 2 outings.

Juvenile hurdle winner in 2024. Failed to go on from opening third in handicaps last season and probably best to look elsewhere back from 11 months off, for all he has been cut some slack by the handicapper. Cheekpieces and a tongue tie are combined for the first time.

Modest maiden on the Flat for Ralph Beckett. Managed to make it third time lucky over hurdles for current yard in weak Market Rasen mares maiden in September but well-held fifth in a 2m Uttoxeter handicap since.

Went close to ending his lengthy losing run at Wincanton (2m, good to soft) in March but failed to reproduce that form in 3 outings later in the spring. 6 lb out of the handicap on reappearance.