Lightly raced since winning at Sandown in February 2017. Best effort last season when fourth off 1lb higher at Exeter in February. Below best when last seen, but returns with yard in fine form.
Best run last term when 2¼L third at Wincanton (2m5f) in March with cheekpieces tried, but only 20L fourth of 9 to Potterman in handicap at Warwick in the headgear in May. Something to prove.
Useful chaser at his best, but running respectably at best in that sphere of late, and returns to hurdles under a cloud after finishing seventh of 10 finishers at Stratford last time.
Dual Hereford scorer last winter in soft ground, and while he was disappointing when well beaten at Kempton in March. he has since had wind surgery, and could well get back on track.
Won a 2m1f maiden hurdle at Exeter in April, and improved when 3¼L second of 6 to Ramore Will on handicap debut at Plumpton the following month. Has more to offer, and likely to go close with yard in form.
Second in the mud here last December, and won at Uttoxeter prior to that. Runner-up 3 times since, including when 1L behind Tamarillo Grove at Newton Abbot in May. Another returning after wind surgery, and makes more appeal than most in conditions.
Much his best effort in 2m hurdles when 3L second of 15 to Elusive Belle in novice at Warwick on his final start last season. Makes handicap debut on a stiffish mark, but step up from 2m is sure to suit, so shortlisted.
Delivered on promise of hurdles debut when winning 18-runner mares maiden at Clonmel in February for James King. Tongue tie she wore is retained on debut for new yard/in handicaps. Needs to improve again.
Non-Runners
6
Our Dot's Baby206
Weight: 11-4| Age: 7
T: Miss Z C Davison J: Cillin Leonard
NR
Forecasts
Silver Kayf (10/3), Lord Of The Island (4/1), Nelson's Touch (4/1), Melekhov (5/1), Star Of Lanka (11/2), Laxey (10/1), Our Dot's Baby (14/1), Aintree My Dream (20/1), Annie Odds (25/1)
MELEKHOV represents a yard having a good run with its hurdlers of late, and he will improve on what is just his second handicap start. Laxey makes his handicap bow, and this son of Yeats looks sure to progress now stepping up in trip, and looks the main danger. Nelson's Touch is one of several to have had wind surgery since the summer, and he is respected on his consistent efforts last term.