Exeter Vertu Volvo Handicap Hurdle

Won twice (including first time up) in 2022/23 and ran right up to best when placed in brace of Ascot handicaps (both 15.7f) this time last year. Below par when last seen at Newbury in February but returns on a workable mark.

Useful dual-bumper winner who justified cramped odds in a novice hurdle in February and followed up from a lenient opening mark on handicap debut at this course (16.7f) a month later. Seemed to find step up to 19f taxing his stamina later that month, however, and others appeal more here.

Looked promising in spring 2023 for Thomas Mullins and may have needed outing, back from 18 months off, when seventh at Ascot (15.7f) on debut for new yard 22 days ago. This run should reveal more.

Won juvenile hurdle (17.4f, soft) decisively on sole start in France 13 months ago. Not seen since but his new yard is in good form and he is worth monitoring in the market on handicap debut.

Won sole outing in France last year and made promising start for new connections when readily taking 6-runner juvenile hurdle at Huntingdon (15.8f, soft) in January. Likely more to come yet.

Well held when last seen at Chepstow in January but won 2 of his 5 starts last term and should have more to offer this season.

Off the mark over hurdles in maiden at this course (17f, heavy) in March and improved on that form when placed here and at Newton Abbot in May. However, looks on a stiff mark on his return to action.

Looked a totally different proposition since upped to around this sort of trip, bagging handicaps at Market Rasen and Uttoxeter before good second of 9 in handicap at Carlisle (20f, good to soft) last month. 6 lb higher now but looks sure to go well again.

Landed 2 of her 6 starts (both at this course) last term and proved better than ever when returning to winning ways in 7-runner handicap hurdle over C&D (good, 3/1) 16 days ago. 8 lb higher now (2 lb out of the weights) but must enter calculations.