Uttoxeter

Built on a promising hurdles debut when winning at Cartmel in May and showed much improved form to get the better to 2 fellow last-time-out winners in a 7-runner novice hurdle (3/1) at Perth (2½m, good to soft) 3 weeks ago, soon clear after quickening to lead before the last. The one to beat.

Dual bumper scorer last term who ran with promise when third of 13 in novice at Perth (2m, soft) on hurdles bow. Shaped as if still needing the experience when second of 5 in a similar race at Southwell (2½m, good) 26 days ago and he should prove the biggest threat to Flying Ace.

Made an encouraging start to his career when runner-up in 1½m bumper at La Roche-Sur-Yon in April and showed ability again with a tongue strap applied when second of 6 in another bumper at Southwell (2m) 4 weeks ago. Up in trip for hurdles debut.

Winning pointer caused a 28/1 upset to make a winning start under Rules in a 13-runner hunter chase at Punchestown (2½m) at the start of May. Seen to very good effect under an enterprising ride there and he'll likely prove flattered by the manner of that success. Has left Sam Thomas Doyle (£28,000).

Looked a longer term prospect when third of 4 in a Newton Abbot bumper in October and was well beaten in a stronger race at Hereford the following month. First-time cheekpieces go on his for his hurdles debut after a 7-month absence.