The combination of a return to Newbury and first-time headgear could well enable the progressive NAVAJO INDY to reverse Windsor placings with Secret Squirrel, who warrants respect all the same. Joyeuse is the least exposed contender and looks interesting, while Fiercely Proud, Washington, Favour And Fortune and Mirabad are others to consider.[Steve Boow]
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Not disgraced behind talented Sir Gino in the Fighting Fifth on penultimate start; won the Welsh Champion Hurdle at Ffos Las in sole handicap attempt but faces a tougher task off 10lb higher in this field.
Failed to get home over 2m4f returned to hurdles (from fences) last time; successful in this contest 12 months ago but is 10lb higher this time round and Nico de Boinville sides with stablemate Joyeuse.
Has switched to handicap level the last twice, winning the Scottish Champion Hurdle at Ayr (2m) last April then possibly needing his reappearance run at Ascot seven weeks ago; may resume his progress.
Truncated 2023-24 campaign featured a 2m5f Grade 2 novice win; may be sharper with Windsor reappearance (3m) under his belt and still isn't fully exposed; however, this drop to 2m presents a question mark.
Raised 9lb for his success in similar event at Ascot (1m7f) last time but the first two were well clear and it was a career-best performance; this second-season hurdler may well remain competitive.
Finished seventh in this race last year; creditable third to Navajo Indy here in November then did too much up front at Ascot (fifth to Fiercely Proud); however, likely has nothing in hand off current mark.
Has a largely solid record and ran well over 2m3f at Haydock on reappearance; however, seemed unsuited by the return to 2m last time and may be more interesting when back up in trip.
Two from two since joining Harry Derham; raised 12lb for his comfortable success in Listed handicap at Fairyhouse (2m) last time but may be capable of further improvement for this yard; shortlisted.
Landed this prize two years ago but isn't the same horse now and recent form is in lower grades; regained the winning thread on penultimate start but ran poorly latest; others preferred.
Has shown fairly useful form against his own age-group over hurdles but suffered a heavy defeat switched to open company at Windsor last time; stable has a stronger chance with Washington.
Campaigned at longer trips over hurdles, winning three times; disappointing last time but the form of his Chepstow reappearance success is strong; this drop back to 2m is the main concern.
About 2l third when final-flight faller in the Ascot race won by Fiercely Proud; won comfortably at Windsor (2m) since, taking overall record to 5-11; leading player under a penalty (future mark 1lb higher).
Clear by about halfway and wasn't for catching at Cheltenham (2m1f) last time, taking record under Luke Scott to 2-3 and hurdles score to 3-7; now 10lb higher in a better race but he's progressive.
Hindered by being hampered by a faller last time and is better judged on Wetherby success (2m) earlier in November; however, faces a stiffer assignment at this level.
Ran well (finished third) in this contest 12 months ago but is far from certain to repeat that effort, having lost his form this season; major revival is needed.
Progressive; took his Newbury record to 2-3 with Gerry Feilden success (2m) in November, then ran well behind Secret Squirrel at Windsor while looking in need of headgear (now wears cheekpieces); respected.
Unexposed mare who ran well at Cheltenham (2m4f; handicap debut) most recently, taking form figures to 1132; should cope with the return to 2m and looks an interesting contender for last year's winning connections.
