Give Us A Cheer Handicap Hurdle

Diminishing returns following last June's Stratford success for Dan Skelton (extended 2m, good) off 7lb lower; no obvious positives on form or pedigree for this step up to a stayers' trip on stable debut.

Return to good ground appeared key to his easy Stratford win in March (2m6f); lesser follow-up effort at Ffos Las with as much in his favour needs forgiving, but entitled not to be far away if the cheekpieces help him tease out resources longer this time.

Possible to say he's been temptingly handicapped for a while now, but dropping into a 0-110 here for just the second time; some hope if getting a less contested lead than last time (C&D), which isn't a given.

Capitalised on a rival's late error over C&D latest (good) to complete the hat-trick; now back on his highest mark since March 2022, and beaten 5l and 8l in the last two renewals of this race (25l ahead of Spitalfield last year), but demands consideration in his present mood.

Didn't settle but still recorded an easy Wincanton win under Harry Cobden in January (2m4f, heavy); contested lead and 11lb rise found him out latest, and at least one of those will be an issue again here.