Celtic Subaru Novices' Hurdle (GBB Race)

Soundly beaten when upped to Grade 2 level last month (race in which Whiskey Yankee finished fifth) but had shown useful form beforehand, notably when winning by over 8l at Uttoxeter (2m7f, good to soft) two starts ago; can cope with this drop back in trip and has a big role to play.

Showed that stamina is his strong suit on hurdling debut at Ascot (2m5f, soft) in January, battling on well to win by over 2l, and fared much better than Lon Chaney when fifth in Haydock Grade 2 (3m, good to soft) last month, despite a sketchy round of jumping; obvious contender.

Runner-up in two Irish points last spring but soundly beaten in two maiden hurdles here (2m/2m4f) for John and Rhys Flint this year and can only be watched on this stable debut.

Certainly not disgraced when well-held third of four over C&D (heavy) on last month's rules debut but needs to take a big step forward to trouble the principals today.