Spotlight: Novice hurdler who won at Chepstow (2m) on penultimate start, then ran well at Wincanton (1m7f, good to soft) on handicap debut; gives the impression this longer trip is worth exploring; enters calculations.

Spotlight: Low-mileage 5yo who is 2-2 this term, namely wins in maiden hurdle at Perth (2m4f, soft) and handicap at Lingfield (2m3f, good to soft; comfortably); the type to improve further and commands respect.

Spotlight: Has a good overall strike-rate and record of 2-2 over hurdles at Newbury (2m, soft); ran below market expectations at Cheltenham (2m5f) on reappearance but is interesting back here with the outing under his belt.

Spotlight: Scored over 2m as a novice hurdler last term; placed in handicaps at Newbury and Haydock this season, runner-up to impressive winner when upped to 2m3f last time (good to soft); may do better still; solid claims.

Spotlight: 2m3f/2m5f wins as a novice hurdler last term; took a gold hold and outstayed in 3m handicap at Newbury on reappearance; may well settle better and show progress in first-time hood back down in trip.

Spotlight: Second-season hurdler who made all for a ready success at Doncaster (2m3f, good to soft) most recently; still unexposed at this sort of distance and looks open to further improvement; one for the shortlist.

Spotlight: Largely progressive and record of 4-7 includes a Newbury success (2m3f, good) in March; ran respectably at Doncaster on reappearance, while leaving the impression he'll come on for the run; remains of interest.

Spotlight: Dual bumper and novice hurdle winner, including over 2m3f; not in top form in two handicaps (at about 2m) since returning from lengthy absence; needs to raise his game in this competitive contest.

Spotlight: Gained his wins over the brush hurdles at Southwell and Worcester; not so effective in Cheltenham novice event last time; something to prove off current mark returned to handicap level.

Spotlight: Showed fairly useful novice form at up to 2m4f in the 2023-24 campaign, then missed last term; dropped away and pulled up in 3m handicap here on reappearance; may last longer back down in trip.

Spotlight: Landed the EBF Final at Sandown a couple of seasons ago but generally hasn't lived up to expectations since, latterly switched to fences; faces some solid-looking rivals back in this sphere.

Spotlight: The youngest contender in this field but is quite an exposed 4yo and on a ten-race losing sequence; largely consistent but has stamina to prove back up in distance; below best in sole 2m4f attempt.

Spotlight: May be suited by the return to hurdles but a couple of poor chase efforts this season leave a doubt over his current form; bled from nose last time; still seeking first win beyond 2m.

Spotlight: Contrasting performances this season, winning easily at Worcester (2m7f) in spring then running poorly at Warwick in autumn; remains on career-high mark and goes up in grade; difficult task.

Spotlight: Went close at Newton Abbot in hat-trick attempt but form dipped sharply there when last seen; faces a stiffer assignment in this field and goes into unknown territory over 2m4f.