Successful twice on testing ground last season, including on return from a similar absence at Ayr in December. No surprise to see him bounce back in change of headgear following a break, though we'll probably see the best of him over the winter.

Smooth-travelling mare who was a narrow second to an Olly Murphy-trained favourite at Worcester (23f), seeing out the longer trip. Fancied to go well given the prospect of a strongly-run 2½m here, for all this is a deeper race than last time. Engaged 5.07 Perth Wednesday.

Borderline fair chaser for Gary & Josh Moore. Looked unsuited by soft ground on debut for current yard last June. Entitled to need this rare hurdle start following 15 months off.

Front-running veteran. Placed 5 times earlier in the summer (including here) but not in same form recent starts. Extended his losing run to seventeen when 7½ lengths fourth of 11 at Cartmel (17f) latest, typically racing clear before being gradually left behind from home turn.

Relatively lightly-raced 5-y-o. Shaped vastly better than previously for the step up in trip when 1¼-length second over C&D last time, motoring at the line. Type who'll benefit from a strongly-run race (likely with Malangen in the field), and she may well go one better.

Low-mileage 6-y-o from a good jumping family. Achieved more than previously (despite making hard work of it) when 3½ lengths second to Prince Nino on handicap bow over C&D (soft) in May. On better terms with that more-exposed rival here, however, likely to face contrasting conditions this time.

In-form maiden who's hit the frame several times in Irish handicaps, latterly 19½ length fourth of 19 at Galway (2¾m). Could find this less competitive and needs a close look with Sean Bowen booked (stable second with pair of runners here earlier this month).

Didn't go with same zest on either start following her handicap chase success at Catterick in February (races off 1 lb lower here). Has had another breathing operation ahead of this first start in 5 months, and the market should prove a helpful guide with 7-lb claimer taking over.

Raced only 3 times over hurdles since her debut success at Hexham for Ben Haslam in June 2024, latterly beaten 8 lengths on belated return to this sphere (winless on Flat in between) at Kelso (2¼m) last week. Again vulnerable for win purposes.

Capitalised on career-low mark when surprise winner (66/1) on C&D reappearance in May. Predictably went backwards from that over longer trip here subsequently. Remains to be seen what mood he's in for his 7-lb claimer (can race lazily) following 12 weeks away.

Fair winner of back-to-back handicap hurdles in 2025. Strong in the betting when unseating on chasing debut at this meeting 12 months ago. Badly out of sorts over hurdles in first half of this year, though on a very attractive mark as a result. Worth noting for support on return from a break.

Ran as well as he has over hurdles when 13¼ lengths fourth on handicap bow over C&D in April. Amiss sole subsequent hurdle start and while fit from the Flat, he's been largely well held in that sphere of late.

Standout effort of last winter came when third at Ayr (3m, heavy). Extended losing run stretching back to 2021 when well beaten at Uttoxeter when last seen on New Year's Eve (has since had breathing operation) and has tended to need his reappearance for present yard.

Has shown ability in bumpers/hurdles/Flat maidens in Ireland. Left Andrew Kinirons yard since finishing well held on qualifying run at Downpatrick (2¼m) in mid-July. Needs to improve for the step up in trip on handicap/stable debut.

Form has gone the wrong way since a successful chasing debut on testing ground here in October. Engaged 4.32 Perth Wednesday.