Blackmores Handicap Hurdle

Thriving 5yo who has won three times on heavy ground here (2m-2m4f) this year; drew nicely clear of the others with another in-form horse when prevailing by a neck over C&D last time and remains unexposed over this trip; must be considered.

Pulled up on chasing debut in January (wore cheekpieces) and did not see out 3m on heavy ground when back over hurdles here (first-time blinkers) last month; current mark is workable and this drop back in trip looks the right move but others in the field have much less to prove.

Lightly raced 7yo who struck form at around this time last year, winning 3m handicaps at Doncaster and Wetherby (both on good ground); open to further improvement but this hat-trick attempt comes after a long absence and the different trip-and-ground combination is not sure to suit.

Won 2m novice last season but safely held in first two handicaps this term (1m7f/2m), then pulled up when upped to 2m4f last month; needs to get career back on track.

Made the frame on all three hurdling starts, most recently when clear second of six on handicap debut at Warwick (2m3f, soft) last month; has to take a 3lb rise on the chin but still features prominently in calculations.