Inconsistent but has sufficient means - boasts sound references/form credentials at this level off his current mark. Shouldn't be hastily condemned for finishing 10th in a 2100m handicap on this course on 30 November - respect

Placed once in 7 starts since winning a 3000m Dax handicap in late July (finished 8th in a 3200m PSF handicap at Chantilly on 12 December) but has dropped in the weights/ratings to his last-winning mark. Not taken lightly

Sparingly raced versatile 9-year-old veteran who has lost little - if any - zest for racing. Showed his form/well-being by finishing 4th in a course-and-distance handicap on 23 November. Sets the standard

Lightly raced 4-year-old gelding with scope for improvement and sound references (form and experience), which include a last-start 6th on this course in a 2100m handicap on 30 November. On the shortlist

Versatile veteran handicapper with sound references/form credentials at this level on both surfaces, including a close-up 7th in a 2700m PSF handicap at Chantilly on 7 December. Dark horse

Capitalised on a drop in the weights/ratings to finish a reassuring 3rd on this course in a handicap over 2400m on 8 December. Will be competitive if confirming that form/improvement

Hard-knocking veteran with sound references/form credentials, albeit without a victory since November last year. Back on the flat after an unsuccessful go over hurdles in a 3650m Mont-de-Marsan handicap on 8 December

Bounced back to form with a reassuring 3rd at Loudeac in a 2850m claimer on 21 April. Absent since but shouldn't be underestimated on his reappearance

Finished 10th in a course-and-distance handicap on 23 November back on the flat after 2 pleasing performances (3 starts) over hurdles. Best watched for now

Thrived back on the PSF, winning consecutive handicaps on this course - the latest over 2400m on 8 December under a 3kg penalty. Has more to do bumped up another 4kg

Took advantage of a career-low rating to finish an improved/encouraging 3rd on this course in a 2100m handicap on 30 November. Confirmation is expected off an unchanged mark

Sparked improvement off this mark to finish a reassuring 5th on this course in a 2400m handicap on 8 December. Place chance

A shadow of his former self - soundly beaten in 3 recent comeback appearances after a year's absence, the latest (10th) on this course in a 2100m handicap on 30 November. Others preferred

Has dropped to a competitive mark in the weights/ratings, and confirmed as much with an encouraging last-start 2nd in a course-and-distance handicap on 23 November. Should have a role to play

Lightly raced 8-year-old rarely seen on PSF. Acquitted himself well in 3 recent turf handicaps on heavy ground, the latest (6th) over 2400m at Craon on 1 December, so shouldn't be taken lightly back on the PSF

Soundly beaten in 3 consecutive PSF appearances recently, the latest (11th) in a Deauville handicap over 2700m on 7 December. Can be ignored