I AM MAX (5) returns after two months in the spelling yard. Opened last campaign with a minor placing in a 4500m hurdle at this track, beaten 1.3 lengths. Overall the first-up record reads well, with a win and two placings from four runs. Well placed and expected to be tough to beat. BALLYFORT (11) was unplaced two back in a hurdle (4100m) at Ayr. Bounced back last time to salute by 11 lengths in a hurdle (3200m) at Ayr. Must be a chance again. NORDIC TIGER (8) finished ninth two back in a hurdle (3900m) at Wetherby then again missed out in a hurdle (4550m) at this track last time. Deserves another chance. ACHNAMARA (10) was unplaced the start before last in a hurdle (3870m) at Catterick. Turned things around last time when he saluted in a hurdle (3900m) at Catterick. Sure to run well again.