Nigel Hawke Raceday Experiences Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle (Go North Sea Pigeon Qual')

Bumped into revitalised opponent when well-held second on handicap hurdle debut at Southwell (2m, good) in June and has been in good form on the Flat in the meantime; may still have untapped potential over jumps; shortlisted.

Fairly useful Flat racer who came second twice over hurdles at Southwell (2m, good) in the spring; well beaten on all three subsequent Flat starts and spoiled chance by refusing to settle on return to hurdling in July but could be on a good mark for handicap hurdle debut; market helpful.

Irish point winner who made the frame on first two hurdling starts, more recently when third at Perth (2m, good) this month; could have significant improvement to come in handicaps; tongue-tie added.

Quite useful on the Flat in France last year; 0-7 and generally disappointing over hurdles but the form of his close third at Newton Abbot (2m2f, good) two starts ago reads quite well, and his top trainer has an excellent strike-rate (6-14) with his occasional Sedgefield runners.

1-8 over hurdles, the win gained off 1lb lower mark at Kelso (2m2f, good) in May; disappointed on both recent Flat starts, though, and arrives here with a point to prove.