In with every chance when falling at the last on his only outing in a point-to-point, the selection made his track debut in early October and got the better of the smart King Of Kingsfield. While he was in receipt of 8lbs from the runner-up and that rival was since beaten, he was well on top at the line and promises to be even better over this trip. He travelled sweetly that day, found plenty for pressure, and has plenty of size and scope to develop into a smart hurdler before being even better as a chaser.

Last-time-out winners Release The Beast, Answer To Kayf, and Waterford Whispers are all open to improvement and very much respected.

Race three is the Kettles Country House Hotel Maiden Hurdle and amongst the 25 declared runners are unbeaten Grade One-winning bumper horse Ballyburn, the three-time bumper winner Firefox, whose form looks exceptionally strong, and Helvic Dream, who won a Group 1 on the Flat. There are other interesting runners, including Lehaunstown, Irancy, and Intent Approach, but they will need to be exceptional to deal with the three previously mentioned.

Marginal preference is for Elliott’s Firefox, who has previous hurdling experience, having made his track debut, in November 2022, over timber. He also showed himself to be in good form when readily landing long odds-on favouritism last month at Down Royal and, with much better expected this time, he can account for Ballyburn and Helvic Dream.

One of the more interesting runners on the card is Grey Diamond, who makes his debut for Gordon Elliott in the listed Easyfix Equine Handicap Chase. The nine-year-old has already been with Alan King, Nigel Twiston-Davies, and Sam Thomas, and the 139-rated chaser cost just £35,000 in May.

While behind Dancing On My Own, who re-opposes, when last seen, he is 10lbs better off this time. Prior to that, he won at Haydock, and prior to that was travelling strongly when falling two out. Despite his age, there could be more to come from him, and it will be interesting to see what way he moves in the market.