Out The Daw Handicap Hurdle

Quirky sort who shaped as if better for the run back from a long absence when fourth of 7 at Newbury last month. Up in trip with cheekpieces back on and the handicapper has given him a chance.

Creditable third of 7 in handicap hurdle (11/2) at Uttoxeter (19.9f, heavy) 18 days ago. Well treated on his best form if he's able to build on that and has excellent conditional on board.

Fair form in bumpers/over hurdles. Fell at Punchestown in May and was let down by his jumping on his first go over fences at Kempton a month ago. May have learned from that.

Off the mark in Irish points (dead-heated) at the third attempt and made a successful Rules debut in a novice at Wincanton 10 months ago. Straight into handicaps from a fair mark, so interesting contender.

Bumper winner. Bright start over hurdles last season, completing simple task in a Wincanton maiden (15.2f) in March. Returned with a good second at Sandown and seems likely to put up another solid showing.

Progressive handicapper who made it three from his last 4 in ready style at Southwell 9 days ago. Clearly the one to beat under a penalty.

£100,000 recruit from the Irish pointing field who contested 3 2½m maiden hurdles at Uttoxeter at the end of 2023, going close on the second occasion before making it third time lucky in December. Disappointing return in a handicap at Bangor last month, though.

Scored over fences at Fontwell last year but generally out of sorts since and a more compelling case can be made for most of his rivals.

Untrustworthy individual who followed his Uttoxeter victory in June with some lesser efforts, including over fences at Huntingdon last time. Hard to make a case for.

Shaped with encouragement in bumpers and stepped forward from hurdling debut when off the mark in novice here last month, responding well. Handicapper has taken no chances with opening mark but could do better.

Attracted support and showed improved form to make a winning handicap in a 17-runner contest at Wincanton (19.8f, good to soft) in February 2023. Unseated at Haydock on return 8 days ago but isn't one to write off.