Happy Birthday Fiona Walker Novices' Handicap Hurdle

Nicely bred but hasn't raised his modest profile in two handicaps at about 3m the last twice; cheekpieces need to do something.

Left the Newland/Insole stable for 1,000gns last July, since when he's finished third in a point and a remote fourth on handicap debut at Taunton (2m3f; 16-1).

Returned from break with two good efforts over 2m7f here last month; didn't jump remotely well enough to give himself a chance at Chepstow; back here and provided he organises himself at the hurdles, he's a likely contender.

Only minor promise in bumpers and beaten a long way in all three runs over hurdles, albeit two of those races were won by the first two home in the Supreme at Cheltenham; entitled to be far more competitive in this company on handicap debut.

Interesting on some of last year's form on good ground but nothing in two handicaps (on soft and good) since returning from a long break.