On a long losing stretch prior to winning back-to-back handicaps at Sedgefield/Catterick. Finished last season with fine ½-length second in Go North Final handicap at Musselburgh. Arrives following an encouraging pipe-opener on the Flat, though dry forecast probably isn't ideal.

Fairly useful winner on the Flat prior to capitalising on a lenient hurdle mark in smooth style at Perth last month. Matched that with 7¼-length fourth behind Un Sens A La Vie in competitive Market Rasen handicap (also ran well on Flat since). Interesting with sights lowered back over hurdles.

Long way below his useful Flat form despite finishing third on half his hurdling starts to date. Easy to put a line through his sole previous handicap start (heavy) in this sphere. Could well make more impact under less testing conditions here, with promising claimer taking over on return.

Veteran who won the 2022 renewal of this race. Tumbled in the weights since his latest win here (2½m) in January 2025. Perhaps ailed by a physical issue when running no sort of race here on final start last season (since had breathing operation). Could be worth a chance in first-time tongue strap.

Inconsistent sort. Won twice at big odds last season (soft/heavy), including in a similar C&D event in November. She's hardly one to set your watch by, though, especially following 6 months away.

Cheap purchase for a top Irish yard. Looked more straightforward when 5½ lengths third in Down Royal maiden (17f) on qualifying run. Friendless in the betting when down the field over longer trip at Navan (19f, 22/1) last month. One to note if the market speaks more favourably.

Split a couple of next-time-out winners when third to Inappropriate on penultimate start. Market expected better when well held in her bid for a repeat success at Perth subsequently. Easy to make a case for now 1 lb below her winning mark.

Borderline fair chaser for Gary & Josh Moore in 2024/5. Offered little in couple of starts 15 months apart for present yard. Plenty to prove at present.

Placed once from 4 starts in points. Never looked like justifying support on qualifying run/final start for Ellmarie Holden in May. Hardly a positive he was sold for only £5,500 ahead of this stable/handicap debut, either.

Winless since capitalising on a pace collapse at Grand National meeting in 2024. Did post plenty of creditable efforts in defeat from his slipping mark last season. Relatively quick turnaround suggests he's over whatever troubled him (appeared to go wrong) on return at Perth last month.