Empower Her Stakes Handicap Hurdle

Absent since a midfield finish in the Pertemps Final at the Cheltenham Festival, although he was supposed to run at Perth in September only to refuse to go to post; only 3lb higher than winning at Kelso (2m7f, good to soft) in December and has perfectly plausible claims on form.

Listed novice winner (3m, soft) in March 2024; right back to form when making all over C&D (good to soft) in June; that wasn't a particularly strong race but this isn't either and she should go well off 6lb higher.

Has quickly struck up a good partnership with Isabelle Ryder and he came from well back to win easily at Uttoxeter (2m7f, good) last Sunday; if he's in the same sort of form he'll be in the mix again under a 7lb penalty.

Beaten a nose in this race 12 months ago off a 16lb higher mark; has been in sharp decline since but there was more encouragement in his fifth of 11 at Uttoxeter last month; likes Hexham and too well treated to be ignored.

In good form in the summer, winning over 2m4f at Market Rasen and here; only fourth of five at Newton Abbot last time but ran respectably on the figures; shapes as if he'll be suited by this step up in trip; respected.