Sun Trade Windows Cherry Gold Handicap Hurdle

Endured a sobering chase debut here in November (sole start on good) but firmly back on track on sole start since when finding only an even less exposed handicapper too good over C&D a fortnight ago (good to soft; pair 9l clear); cheekpieces added; retains plenty of upside.

For two years in a row now he's followed a second in the Imperial Cup with a disappointing effort at Aintree, second-time cheekpieces presumably not to blame latest as they're retained here; record of 1F12 in handicaps of Class 3 or below, and ought not mind any dryout (2-4 on good).

Never able to get competitive returning from five months out in a big-field Sussex Champion Hurdle recently, but September's handicap debut win came off only 2lb lower than today's mark and he landed a good-ground C&D novice event exactly a year ago; could well get back on track.

Taunton win this time last year was the first leg of an eventual hat-trick (2m1f-2m3f) all recorded on good or quicker surfaces, so drying forecast is all to the good; chance, assuming he's not goaded into making the same sorts of errors as on his recent return here.

C&D seconds either side of January's Leicester win (1m7f, heavy) speak well of his effectiveness around galloping tracks with at least some give underfoot; drying forecast worries more than latest 1lb rise.