Cartmel

Enhanced fine record under Sean Bowen when opening his account for the year in a 23f handicap at Worcester last month. Ran at least as well when 1½ lengths third over same C&D last time, though has previously found this career-high mark beyond him.

Veteran who won by wide margin on heavy ground at this track last July. Ran every bit as well when 2 lengths third in this year's corresponding event (good) last time, finishing with running left in a race that tested speed. Return to this trip/forecast rain could be catalysts for a big run here.

Steadily progressive 5-y-o mare who was 5¾ lengths third (runner-up won since) on qualifying run here (2¾m, good). Longer trip/switch to handicap should benefit, for all her opening mark isn't overly generous.

Successful in course novice handicap (17f) before being turned out quickly to finish runner-up over 2¾m here last summer. Hasn't scaled those heights this season, though, and hard to be confident that return to further/more severe headgear will spark a revival.

Well beaten when bidding for a hat-trick on testing ground here last summer. Resumed winning ways at Southwell (3m) second time up this season, but he disappointed off this mark at Market Rasen 8 weeks ago.

Irish point winner. Third in sole previous start at this track (2¾m, heavy) last season. Has proved a better chaser, getting off the mark under Rules in small-field chase at Kelso (good) prior to disappointing at Hexham in June. Possible pace angle reverted to hurdles following 11-week break.

Back on same mark as when scoring with ease at Carlisle (19f, soft) last November. Promised more than he delivered when well-held fourth at Perth (2½m) on latest start in May. Does have form over staying trips and could be significant that he gets the nod from stable's good-value conditional.

Capitalised on much-reduced mark when a decisive winner here (2¾m) in late-June. Went a long way to reproducing that when 2¼ lengths fourth (behind Secret Secret) subsequently. Well worth a go over this longer trip, though Joshua Thompson looks elsewhere this time.

Fair maiden on Flat. Encouraging second behind course specialist on stable debut here (2¾m) in May. Back to form when 6½ lengths second to a classier type over the same C&D last time. Now tried over slightly longer trip by yard that does well with his type.

Hold-up type whose 3 career wins have come at Hexham. Has fallen to a handy mark following a quiet start to this year (underwent another breathing operation prior to latest start), and could be interesting if revived by a 12-week break (goes well fresh).

Has really got his act together this season, winning a C&D handicap hurdle and chase here in May/June. Lost crucial momentum at the last when close third on a hat-trick bid here (25f). Reverts to hurdling off 2 lb higher, which may just be enough to prevent a third course win.

Strong-travelling maiden has placed a couple of times at this track. Ran well to finish ¾-length second in a race that didn't favour his hold-up style at Market Rasen (23f) 8 weeks ago. His record (0-36) speaks for itself, though.

Inexpensive maiden pointer. Built on a better qualifying run when 8¾ lengths fourth of 11 on handicap bow at Perth (3m). Looks an out-and-out stayer and may just find this too competitive.

Signs of ability in bumpers. Didn't offer much over hurdles for Georgina Nicholls last season, however, has since undergone a significant trainer change. Now returns over a longer trip in more severe headgear, and she may well produce an improved effort off her basement mark.