Victor Lucas Memorial Handicap Hurdle

Lightly raced 8yo; had his off days last season but won two 3m handicaps, last time at Ayr digging deepest in a Class 3 (good to soft); essentially 2lb lower given Nick Slatter's claim.

Chasing when last seen in June of last year, winning a four-runner handicap at Southwell before a close third off this mark at Worcester (2m7f, good); dual winning hurdler who has his ground and fitness might not be an issue given connections.

Got up in the nick of time to beat an in-form mare over Carlisle's extended 2m3f in April (good); has won over 3m off a higher mark so has to be of interest after that return to form.

C&D winner last August and his close fourth at Cheltenham three runs back was his best form yet; soft ground was no good to him on final appearance; nothing wrong with his mark.

Won hurdle races on very soft ground in France and a 3yo race on good at Huntingdon; ran moderately back from a break last time but did go close at Uttoxeter the time before (2m4f); could go well, though stamina for this far is unproven.