Slater Menswear Handicap Hurdle

Point and dual bumper winner who was a shade of odds-on when leading late on in a big-field maiden at Warwick in November 2024 (good to soft; won on soft); has a long absence to overcome and a hefty weight for his handicap debut, but trainer has spoken well of him.

Versatile trip-wise as his recent run of solid form has been from 1m7f to 3m; should give his running but does look vulnerable off this high a mark in this strong a race.

1m2f French Flat winner who did well for former Irish connections, in victory and defeat over hurdles; even better when winning comfortably on his stable debut at Sandown (soft) and it was only three days later he finished well held under a penalty (same mark here) in the Fred Winter, though that run was better than it looks on paper; this is his first handicap against older opposition and he's very much in the mix.

Kelso novice winner in October (2m, good; effective on soft) and continued to run well until racing too freely in a Grade 2 at Kelso last time out; well held in a bumper when he tried a hood once before but this aid is worth another go.

Lightly raced 7yo who is 2-2 since sent into handicaps, both wins over 1m7f on good to soft ground at Musselburgh; an 8lb rise seems harsh enough for last time, for all that he won readily, and this a lot deeper; still respected with him on an upward curve.