BetMGM Holloway's Handicap Hurdle (GBB Race)

Didn't take to fences, but he ran creditably in the face of a stiff task back over hurdles when fifth of six in Grade 1 event at Kempton (2m, good; wore cheekpieces) on Boxing Day; not fully proven over this trip but he's still relatively lightly raced and hard to rule out on handicap debut.

Grand veteran who retains plenty of ability and was third in the Greatwood at Cheltenham (2m, soft) in November; not disgraced in another warm race here (28-1) four weeks ago and this is less competitive; should go well with Harry Skelton returning to the saddle for the first time since a narrow defeat in the Imperial Cup in March 2024.

Has been a money-spinner for connections over the years but recent efforts (Flat and jumps) have been subdued and he faded into a well-held fourth at Sandown (28-1) in December; well handicapped on old form but needs first-time cheekpieces to have a positive effect.

Back to the same mark as for last season's convincing course win (2m7f, good) but hasn't finished in the first six this term, always behind over 2m5f here last time; takes another drop in distance and wears headgear for the first time.

Low-mileage 7yo whose record reads 133321; had fair bit in hand with tongue-tie applied at Hereford (2m3f, soft) in December; up 7lb but open to further improvement and high on the list.