Best Odds Guaranteed At bet365 Handicap Hurdle

Fresh after an 88-day absence and well within range of today's trip — the extended 3m at Southwell last time found him out; first-time cheekpieces add a stimulus. A sequence of below-par efforts asks questions, though a more suitable distance gives grounds for optimism.

Thriving in handicap company, landing a race at Worcester last time when ridden with confidence at a testing track; lightly raced with more improvement likely now settling into this sphere. The twin headgear additions — tongue-tie and cheekpieces for the first time — are the only query.

Front-runner who landed a tight finish at Hexham two starts back, though performed to his recent level without threatening at the same mark last time; the trip and ground are familiar, and first-time tongue-tie is a small addition. His best suggests this mark is still workable.

Out of form in recent starts, comfortably held at Southwell last time; the trip and going present no issues and first-time tongue-tie is a change. Yet to win in his last five starts, and there is little encouragement from the current run of results.

Clearly in good order, finishing 4 lengths second at Fontwell last time in a race run over a shorter trip than his best; stepping back up in distance today with the going to suit, and the current mark still generous on his best efforts. First-time tongue-tie is the only addition.