Ambassador (Ire)
- J: Joshua Thompson
- T: Micky Hammond
- F:
- Age
- 8
- Weight
- 10st 2lbs
- Or
- 94
Has been finishing well out of the frame since landing a Uttoxeter handicap last July. Outpaced when sixth of 8 in handicap hurdle there (11/2) 7 days ago. Becoming well handicapped but might be still finding feet after winter break. Step back up in trip not sure to be in his favour however.
- Age
- 7
- Weight
- 10st 12lbs
- Or
- 104
Ran poorly in first three starts last season but showed some encouragement in recent outings. Sixth of 9 in handicap hurdle at Perth over similar distance (9/1) 16 days ago. Return of cheekpieces may help build on those better signs.
Miss Maverick
- J: James Davies
- T: Gary Hanmer
- F:
- Age
- 8
- Weight
- 11st 0lbs
- Or
- 106
Racked up a hattrick in maiden / novice hurdles around this time last year at Uttoxeter. Form has tailed off since then however, fifth of 7 in handicap hurdle back there (9/1) 42 days ago after an unsuccessful spell chasing. Could bounce back if reverting to front running tactics but needs more.
Mellificent (Ire)
- J: Sean Quinlan
- T: Lizzie Quinlan
- F:
- Age
- 8
- Weight
- 11st 5lbs
- Or
- 111
Lightly raced mare who won a novice hurdle and was competitive at Listed level for previous connections. Pulled up in 11-runner handicap hurdle at Ayr (28/1) 63 days ago after stable switch however. First run after wind-op with tongue strap back on.
- Age
- 7
- Weight
- 12st 2lbs
- Or
- 122
Won a Carlisle handicap hurdle in March impressively wearing a first-time visor. Not in the same form however when fifth of 6 in handicap hurdle at Newcastle (15/8) 40 days ago. Remains of interest if getting more of a test of stamina here.
- Age
- 8
- Weight
- 11st 10lbs
- Or
- 116
Got back on track when winning a five-runner handicap chase at Bangor (7/1) 28 days ago without regular tongue strap (again not worn today). Seemed to appreciate the return to better ground and can go again well here back over hurdles.
- Age
- 7
- Weight
- 11st 10lbs
- Or
- 116
Won a Southwell handicap hurdle last November over this trip. Pulled up in 11-runner chase at Uttoxeter (4/1) 42 days ago, going backwards from what had been a promising debut in that sphere. Returns to hurdles with a couple of questions to answer.
Balboa
- J: Micheal Nolan
- T: Seamus Mullins
- F:
- Age
- 5
- Weight
- 11st 11lbs
- Or
- 117
Has been inconsistent over hurdles, placing third of 11 at Wetherby (28/1) 87 days ago confirming stamina for beyond 2 miles. Only eighth of 13 in handicap hurdle at Ayr (10/1) 29 days ago. Perhaps developing a lazy streak and needs more here.
- Age
- 8
- Weight
- 12st 0lbs
- Or
- 120
Placed second of 16 in competitive handicap at Kelso (16/1) in March. Backed that up with fourth of 6 in handicap hurdle there (7/2) 18 days ago when pace didn't suit. Likely to appreciate return to this course and shortlisted.
Pinot Rouge (Ire)
- J: Jack Power
- T: Susan Corbett
- F:
- Age
- 7
- Weight
- 12st 0lbs
- Or
- 120
Out of form lately. Pulled up in 9-runner handicap hurdle at Ayr (16/1) 28 days ago. This is easier than recent races but needs the replacement of cheekpieces with blinkers to spark a return to form here.
Blakey Boy (Ire)
- J: Craig Nichol
- T: Ewan Whillans
- F:
- Age
- 5
- Weight
- 10st 5lbs
- Or
- 97
Had struggled in maiden and novice hurdles before moving into handicaps, though not without hinting at some ability. Won a 12-runner handicap at this course and distance (33/1) 26 days ago when fitted with cheekpieces. Can improve again now on the right path.
Timeform Verdict 
BLAKEY BOY impressed when scoring over course and distance recently and looks capable of further improvement now he's found his rhythm in handicaps. Imperial Data has been in good form and should appreciate this test more than his recent Kelso outing. Coniston George also remains of interest once getting more of a stamina test, while Quick Sharpener enters calculations following his recent Bangor chase success.
Betting Forecast
25/1 Ambassador (Ire), 20/1 Singapore Trip (Fr), 33/1 Miss Maverick, 66/1 Mellificent (Ire), 11/2 Coniston George (Ire), 13/2 Quick Sharpener (Ire), 15/2 Broughshane (Ire), 18/1 Balboa, 9/2 Imperial Data (Ire), 16/1 Pinot Rouge (Ire), 7/2 Blakey Boy (Ire)