Ryans Cleaning Novice Handicap Hurdle

Followed up last month's C&D (gd-yld) win with a novice hurdle victory at Downpatrick (21.5f, yielding); mark has risen from 98 to 120 but talented rider takes off 7lb and he's unexposed in handicaps; could be more to come.

Won a Kilbeggan maiden on penultimate (2m3f, gd-yld); soundly beaten in a novice back there in August and now steps up in trip for his handicap debut; seems to act on most ground and with a top yard so respected.

Won off 10lb lower at Sligo (3m2f, good) in May; beaten 1l off 114 at Kilbeggan in July (20.5f, yld-sft) and just 1lb higher here; not beaten far at Perth latest and he has place claims.

Point winner; won a Down Royal maiden hurdle (16.5f, good) in May; soundly beaten on the Flat on next start later that month; better effort on return from a break last month on the level at Clonmel (16.5f, soft); strip fitter now and can't discount on handicap debut.

Two-time Flat winner is 0-15 over hurdles but has shaped nicely enough on his last two starts; beaten 6.5l when second of 14 in a Navan maiden hurdle latest (2m5f, yielding); needs to find more to get his head in front.