Hogmanay Hoolie Is Back Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Free-goer who was useful in his prime and was in front before last-fence fall over C&D (good) on last month's stable debut; subsequent 2lb rise is manageable and, providing his confidence has not been affected, he's an obvious contender.

Looked as good as ever when close second at Kelso (2m4f, good) in April, after a break; not quite at same level on his three starts since but has possibilities if combination of first-time cheekpieces and drop back to 2m has positive effect.

Returned from long absence with quite encouraging hurdle run in May and ran well for a long way over C&D (good; race in which Salamanca Bay fell) last month; finished rather weakly on both occasions but might last longer if first-time hood helps him to settle better in early stages today.

Low-mileage 11yo; signed off for James Ewart with respectable fourth at Hexham (1m7f, good) in April and didn't run badly when filling same position for new stable at Cartmel (2m1f, good to soft) two weeks ago but others in this line-up appeal more.

Has rather mixed record for current stable since March but was ahead of Garde Des Champs when clear second over C&D (good) in May and last month's third behind Conquer The Breeze at Hexham (1m7f, good to soft) was also a good effort; swaps cheekpieces for refitted blinkers.