1664 Biere Handicap Hurdle

The return to chasing backfired last time (hasn't taken to fences at all); it was career-best form in winning at Newbury in November but that was over 3m on slow ground; opposable over this far and new headgear is a grey area.

Close thirds on two of his last three outings for Dan Skelton (2m4f/3m, good to soft/soft) and it was always going to be tough on stable debut in the Grade 2 National Spirit at Fontwell; better expected here, though has no form on good ground.

Snapped a losing run with something in hand when cheekpieces returned at Wetherby (extended 2m3f, soft) in February; going back up 4lb isn't overly problematic but drying ground might be.

Has winning form from 2m3f to 3m; had flashes of respectable form last season and this is easier than Aintree last time; the first-time cheekpieces tried there are retained but with the tongue-tie missing; possibilities.

Multiple winner but a 10yo now and the handicapper knows the score with him; no match for the winner last time at Fakenham (2m4f, good) where he kept jumping to the right; wouldn't want to repeat that here.