Weatherbys Racing Bank Handicap Hurdle

Dual hurdle and three-time chase winner when based in Ireland; makes stable debut from a workable mark and will find this easier than Punchestown festival hurdle he contested in April but has fitness to prove and would appeal much more on soft/heavy ground.

Did well last season (three wins); can be excused his below-par run in series final at Haydock in April (made bad jumping error) but we haven't seen him again since; had another wind op (his fourth) last month.

Dual 2m novice hurdle winner for the Newland and Insole stable last autumn; safely held in two handicaps in February/March (1m7f/2m4f) and makes debut for new trainer (same owner) after 201-day break; market helpful.

Started off for Martin Keighley with two clearcut chase wins (2m/2m1f) towards end of last season; absent since pulled up in May (didn't run badly) but reverts to hurdling on a lower mark and Sean Bowen keeps the ride.

Returned from layoff with good third at Uttoxeter (2m, good) in July and certainly didn't run badly when only sixth at Cartmel (2m1f, good) the following month; still on a workable mark and may have a fitness edge over some (or all) of today's rivals.