Carlisle

Posted personal best, in first-time cheekpieces, when winning 5-runner handicap hurdle at Newcastle (23.7f, good) 19 days ago. 6 lb higher now but further improvement may be forthcoming.

Fairly useful on Flat and made a successful hurdling bow in a juvenile at Cork in October. Made the frame in 2 of his 3 starts for new yard, latest when second in Newcastle novice (20.3f) 47 days ago. Upped in trip for handicap debut and holds strong claims. Had wind operation.

Course winner who got back on scoreboard at Kelso in November. Arrives on back of creditable ninth of 15 in handicap hurdle (14/1) at Musselburgh (23.8f, good) 29 days ago but is yet to fully convince over this sort of trip. Visor on first time.

Off the mark at Catterick (25.3f) in February and backed that up with solid third at Huntingdon 10 days later. May have been ridden too aggressively when last of 5 at Southwell latest and can't be ruled out.

Successful 3 times over this C&D but lightly raced this term and hasn't offered a great deal. Returns from 9-month absence.

Hard to win with nowadays and ran poorly at Musselburgh when last seen in February.