HIM MALAYA (1) returned from a spell last time out with a third in a hurdle (3800m) at this track, beaten 2.25 lengths. Normally hard to beat with the run under the belt, with two wins from four second-up runs. Leading contender. AMERICAN LAND (3) returns after a spell of four months. Opened the last campaign with a solid third in a 3000m maiden hurdle at Wincanton, beaten 16 lengths. Overall first-up record reads well, with three placings from six runs. Can play a role in the finish. MAN OF THE SEA (5) is up in grade on the last appearance when he took out a flat race over 2800m at Bath on 4/04/2025, scoring by half a length. Sure to make his presence felt. EL GAVILAN (7) recorded a solid second 44 days back in a hurdle (3750m) at Stratford-On-Avon. That result followed another minor placing in a hurdle (3170m) at Ludlow the run before. Leading contender again.