Colin Willcocks Memorial Handicap Hurdle

Front-runner who posted some good efforts over hurdles and fences for Neil King in second half of last year, including a second in this race; makes debut for Ben Pauling after eight-month break but will be a danger to all off current mark if fully tuned up.

Won Hexham novice (2m4f, good) in first-time visor last month, form that was seemingly well advertised by the runner-up on Wednesday, and is now 2-10 over hurdles; tackles stronger company on this handicap return and needs to prove he can handle a mark this high but won't mind if the ground remains slower than good.

Ex-Irish 8yo who won a 3m1f chase for Philip Rothwell in June and signed off for him with good 2m6f hurdle run in first-time blinkers last month; now in the care of Dan Skelton (same owners); goes without headgear today but still needs to be taken very seriously.

Flat and dual hurdle winner during busy spell for new stable since the spring, most recently when comfortably drawing 17l clear in selling handicap hurdle at Stratford (2m2f, good) this month; 8lb higher in a stronger race today but still considered.

Not quite at best on recent outings but now only 1lb higher than for clearcut win at Plumpton (2m4f, good) in May and can't be ruled out.