William Hill Handicap Hurdle (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race)

Acts on any going; successful in major handicap at Ayr two years ago; his two attempts at Aintree were good efforts in the 2023 Formby (second to highly notable rival) and this race last year (finished third); each-way claims back here with Kempton reappearance under his belt.

Landed a notable handicap at Chepstow (2m3f, good; off just 1lb lower) in the autumn; not in anything like the same form since, always behind at the Cheltenham Festival (2m5f) most recently; other preferred.

Absent and had further wind surgery since his ready win over C&D (good to soft) on Boxing Day when proving well suited by the step up from 2m and taking record to 4-7; progressive and remains particularly unexposed at this trip; looks an ideal type for this assignment.

Has failed to maintain an unbeaten hurdles record since returned this sphere, sweating and well beaten in the Imperial Cup (2m) last time; penultimate effort (2m5f) wasn't bad but this is a stiffer task.

Useful mare whose handicap form at about 2m features a prestigious win last term and respectable third, with cheekpieces fitted, at the latest Cheltenham Festival (soft); ran well behind a very notable rival in one of her 2m4f attempts; likely player in the retained headgear and back up in trip.