Border Minstrel New Menu Handicap Hurdle

Won twice over hurdles in late 2023 (2m4f/2m6f, soft/heavy); patchy form since, last six runs were over fences following wind surgery; hard to fancy having been pulled up in a handicap chase at Carlisle nine days ago.

This race was one of the three he won last season, all of them on good or good to soft at this trip; on his last winning mark and, after his running-on second over 2m1f here last time, should go well again.

Creditable second in a Kelso handicap chase in October (2m1f, good); not done as well since and was well beaten back over hurdles at Kempton in January (2m, good; cheekpieces back on) on latest start; hood now tried; bit to prove.

Won a Wetherby novice (2m, good to soft) and a Hexham handicap off 6lb lower (2m, good to soft) last season; pulled up at Bangor in November on only start this term; unproven at this trip but an interesting contender.

Only win was in a four-runner Musselburgh maiden hurdle in December 2024 (2m4f, good to soft); best run this season when second over same C&D in January (good to soft); chance on that form.