BUCKNA (2) did a good job to finish second two back in a hurdle (4300m) at Hereford. Backed that up with a sound third in a maiden hurdle (3200m) at Southwell 58 days ago, beaten 1.5 lengths. Sure to prove hard to beat. DEEP PURPLE (3) returns from a spell of five months. Generally goes well when fresh, with a win and two minor placings from three first-up runs. Kicked off last prep with a solid second in a flat race over 3200m at Warwick. Has found the right race to launch this prep. DEVON DUDE (4) registered a sound second 29 days back in a maiden hurdle (3300m) at Exeter. That result came as no surprise after a solid second in a maiden hurdle (3800m) at Taunton two starts ago. Expect the good recent form will stack up. GUCHEN (6) recorded a solid third 55 days back in a maiden hurdle (3200m) at Huntingdon. That result followed another minor placing in a hurdle (3950m) at Hereford the run before. Hard to leave out.