Worcester

Progressive front runner. Made it 4 from 5 over hurdles for current yard courtesy of a sound-jumping performance over C&D (3-3 here) in July last year. He's still lightly raced for his age and may well run another big race given his record fresh.

Half-brother to useful hurdler Theatre Man. Made the frame in Irish points. Off 17 months prior to finishing 9¼ lengths behind better-fancied stablemate on handicap bow over C&D in early-June. Likely to come for that and no surprise to see him in the mix with Sean Bowen back aboard.

Point winner (1-1) looked a fine prospect when successful in pair of Warwick novice hurdles in 2024/5. Hasn't built on that/looked the most straightforward as a chaser, though did hint at a revival last time. Very interesting if putting it all together in a change of headgear on handicap hurdle bow.

Beat Jilajone (previously with David Pipe) to land a double in a Clairefontaine claimer (19f) in July. Shaped as though he'd come on for his recent 14½-length fourth over C&D on stable debut and usual blinkers (on for all 4 career wins) now refitted. One for the shortlist.

Irresolute performer who was useful at best on the Flat. Showed his aptitude for hurdling when runner-up in 2m novice at Uttoxeter last summer. Given a pipe opener following a breathing operation on the Flat last time. Potentially well treated if more severe headgear does the trick back hurdling.

Four-time winner for Dan Skelton. Patchy record for current yard, again put in her place by the sole other finisher when beaten 11 lengths at Newton Abbot in early-June (26.5f). Probably needs a bit more respite from the handicapper.

Regressive sort. Looked none too keen in the Summer Hurdle at Market Rasen and fared little better for a drop in class at Newton Abbot (2m) last time. Hard to be confident that the step back up in trip will spark a return to form.

Veteran who won twice over hurdles at Doncaster (3m) in 2023/24 season. Clearly hasn't been the easiest to train since, though, having been off for 13 months since finishing 5½ lengths third of 6 in a thin Class 2 handicap at Uttoxeter (23f). This trip probably short of his optimum, too.