Fair 3-time Flat winner. Decisively opened his hurdle account at Wetherby (2m, soft) in February. Matched that form on return (had a breathing operation in the interim) when 2½-length second at Worcester. Solid claims to go one better on second start for the excellent Dan Skelton yard.

Successful over C&D in June prior to completing a handicap hurdle hat-trick with little to spare at Sedgefield last month. Looked a difficult ride when beaten 16½ lengths on second chase start here latest, which tempers enthusiasm for this return to hurdling.

Veteran who capitalised on a much-reduced mark when making it 2-2 over C&D in June, beating a next-time-out winner in the process. This is probably a better race, despite the fact it's a selling handicap, and he arrives following a poor run on the Flat.

Modest place form in bumpers. Only showed a bit on what was effectively her hurdling debut over C&D in June (hasn't bettered that form in 2 starts since). Improvement needed to defy her opening mark.

Course regular who backed up his breakthrough success here (2¼m) with a handful of creditable placed efforts over the summer. Back on his winning mark following a below-par run over C&D last time and cannot be discounted if on a going day.