Southwell

Fair hurdles form for Alan King in 2022/23. Twice a winner between the flags and on the up over fences, winning a brace of handicaps this autumn. Unchanged mark back over timber and he's a major player.

Unreliable sort but was running well off the back of a wind op when running out 2 out in handicap hurdle at Huntingdon last month. Looked a bit more straightforward fitted with cheekpieces an Newcastle last time, confirming stamina for this sort of trip in the process.

Returned to form out of the blue to win over 2½m at Sedgefield last month. Was out of the weights on that occasion so just 2 lb higher in follow-up bid back up in distance.

Modest chaser who folded several times for Harry Derham this season. Left that yard cheaply and fared no better back over timber at Sedgefield 12 days ago.

On a losing run but he posted a very good second of 11 in handicap hurdle at Southwell (24.3f) last month. Making headway when short of room at Hexham latest so probably still in form.

Still to win but he has taken his form up a notch for his current yard, a strong-travelling second of 13 in handicap hurdle at Ffos Las (23.9f, soft) last month. Bad mistake proved costly at Huntingdon 3 weeks ago so perhaps best to forgive that effort.

Still looking for first success but runner-up 4 times last season. Remote fourth in Uttoxeter novice on reappearance last month and needed to see more back in a handicap last time to seriously consider her.

It's now 14 runs since his last win in 2022 but he posted a very good second of 14 in handicap hurdle at Huntingdon at the beginning of the month (25f). Well held back thee on Saturday, though.