Smirnoff At Spy Bar Handicap Hurdle (Challenger Two Mile Hurdle Series Qualifier)

Sole win in a Musselburgh maiden (2m4f) in December 2024, but largely consistent since introduced to handicapping (runner-up at Hexham and Musselburgh) until a rare blip at Doncaster (2m4f, soft) latest; in safe hands, so could bounce back.

Won back to back at Aintree & Hexham (both 2m4f) last summer, rising to a career-high mark of 134; kicked off 2026 with a solid effort at Doncaster (2m4f, soft; runner-up) and he's capable of bouncing back from a lesser effort at Kelso since.

Poached a nice advantage but unable to hold off a progressive rival at Haydock (2m, good; in added cheekpieces) on penultimate start; pulled up in deep in a Premier Handicap at Newbury (50-1) latest; chance back in calmer waters.

On a positive trajectory until the winning run came to an abrupt end at Catterick (2m, soft; 10-11 favourite, jockey said his mount "never travelled") nearly five weeks ago; he's a lot better than that but his new mark demands more.

Made all to win novice at Perth (2m, good to soft) in September and resumed his progression when second over C&D (good to soft) three weeks ago; leading claims for yard in a rich vein of form.