Benefited from a strong pace when opening his account in this corresponding event last year and returned to form reverting to this sphere when 1¾ lengths second of 9 to reopposing Huckleberry Sting over C&D in July. Since made a notable yard switch and is also now 12 lb better off with that rival.

Veteran who confirmed his return to form from his reduced mark when ½-length second of 6 to reopposing Huckleberry Sting here (21f, good to firm) 6 weeks ago. Meets that rival on 5 lb better terms here and must enter calculations.

Returned to the pick of his form when off the mark over fences at the thirteenth attempt in 3¼m handicap at Uttoxeter in July last year. Posted a solid third under a penalty back there despite going about things in a typically laboured fashion, but a 14-month absence is an obvious concern.

Made the perfect start for Max Comley when capitalising on a much-reduced mark over hurdles at Exeter (23f) in December. More miss than hit subsequently, though got back on track reverted to chasing with the aid of a soft lead when second of 6 in 3¼m handicap at Newton Abbot last month.

Winning pointer but has shown nothing in 4 starts over hurdles, pulling up on the first 3. Needs to prove a totally different proposition over fences.

Hasn't shown much for a long time now and is easy enough to oppose from out of the weights again.