Strawmax Novices' Hurdle (GBB Race)

Sedgefield bumper winner last May (2m1f, good to firm); off the mark over hurdles with a wide-margin success on same track last time (2m4f, good; made all; left clear two out); the one to beat.

Irish raider; exposed maiden; two fair runs on soft/heavy this year but well beaten with cheekpieces tried (on again) at Downpatrick last time (2m6f, yielding to soft); bit to prove.

Won three times at up to 2m on the Flat for Paddy Butler; bought for 36,000gns in October; third in a 2m handicap at Ripon 11 days ago having disappointed in a Newcastle maiden hurdle on jumps debut in January (2m1f, good to soft; cheekpieces on instead of visor); visor back on, this longer trip should suit, and improvement likely.