Haydock

Former Edinburgh National winner but has posted 2 disappointing efforts since a good second on his Carlisle reappearance in October. A return to hurdling for the first time in well over 2 years needs to help a revival.

Fairly useful bumper winner who landed a pair of handicap hurdles around 20.5f last month. A further 4 lb rise may not prevent him completing the hat-trick, particularly as this longer trip could suit.

Better than ever when snapping a 15-month losing run at Wetherby (3m, good to firm) in October. Two creditable efforts have followed but his mark looks about right.

Fair maiden hurdler. Not disgraced in handicaps this term without posing a serious threat. Probably needs to come down a little more in the weights.

£85,000 Irish point winner who showed fair form when finishing runner-up in a trio of bumpers last season. Hasn't matched that form in 2 runs over hurdles but probably paid for keeping tabs on a pair with superior ability at Chepstow on most recent outing and may do better now entering handicaps.

Failed to fire in 3 outings over the summer but one to keep a close eye on in the betting on his return having won this race off 6 lb higher under Ben Macey last year.

Proved better than ever when doubling her tally at Ayr (3m, soft) in February. All the sharper for Perth reappearance when second of 10 at Hexham (23f, good to soft) last month.