Improved when starting 2-2 in handicaps at Stratford/Southwell. Went missing for a couple of outings before belying market weakness to land a 4-runner Bangor handicap latest, presumably benefitting from another breathing operation/cheekpieces. This demands more again.

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. Will hardly be a surprise if he finds the required improvement on second start for Dan Skelton.

Steadily progressive in maidens on the Flat last year. Now getting the hang of things as a hurdler, too, notching a third in-frame finish from 4 handicap starts when 2½ lengths behind Uncle Remus over C&D. Each-way claims once again.

Fairly useful-middle distance winner for Karl Burke. Much improved when ½-length second on handicap hurdle bow at Southwell in May. Likely to go one better at some point given his Flat background/excellent connections, though will need to be a bit sharper than last time if today's the day.

Twice a runner up at Stratford prior to belatedly opening her account in an 11-runner handicap over C&D in July. Has run creditably on 2 of her 3 starts since, latterly 4¾ lengths behind Uncle Remus. A 1 lb reprieve may not be enough, though.

Steadily progressed in bumpers for previous yard. Did plenty wrong in the early stages of his hurdling career, however, he kept mistakes at a minimum at Fontwell prior to opening his hurdles account over C&D last time. Could still be reasonably treated on his fair bumper form.

Tends to save his best for Ludlow (all 3 career wins there). Hasn't looked in top form since a late fall over C&D in June (booked for second at the time), for all he was poorly placed behind Uncle Remus here last time.

Fair 1½m maiden winner on the Flat. Promising runs either side of a fall at Aintree in May, not ideally placed when 7½ lengths behind Uncle Remus on return (80/1) over C&D last time. Entitled to build on that and still early days in handicaps for a useful yard.

Free-going sort who shaped better than the beaten distance on both handicap starts to date, paying the price for a swift move into contention at Taunton in March. Could prove on a handy mark if settling in first-time tongue strap on return (first runner for new Hunt & Vaughan partnership).

Fairly useful stayer on Flat (stays 2m). Caught the eye of the stewards over C&D before again not taking to Worcester's brush hurdles on qualifying run in late-July. Return to this track will suit and opening mark an attractive one in the context of his Flat ability.