Yet to strike a blow after two runs this time in work. Last time out in a steeplechase (4700m) at this track following a first-up seventh in a steeplechase (4000m) at Ludlow. No surprise to see him back in form.

Was unplaced two back in a hurdle (4600m) at Market Rasen. Finished third last start in a much better performance in a hurdle (3200m) at Ffos Las, beaten 8 lengths. Cannot be written off.

Both starts since resuming have been below his best, finishing sixth last time hurdle when beaten 19 lengths. Fitter again but looks tested on current form.

Was unplaced in a hurdle (3200m) at Windsor two runs ago. Comes here just 8 days after she made amends with a one length win in a hurdle (5000m) at Huntingdon. Will prove hard to beat on current form.

Was 7 lengths away in second last time out in a hurdle (4800m) at Ffos Las, proving no match for the dominant Sparkling Duke. Leading contender.

Will start at long odds here after two average efforts of late. Doing little of late. Not keen.

Unplaced two starts back in a maiden hurdle (4200m) at Doncaster then produced a better result last time when he finished fifth in a maiden hurdle (4200m) at Ludlow, beaten 35 lengths. Not sure he is up to this.

12-year-old gelding who is back from a break. Wound up last campaign with a eighth in a hurdle (4600m) at Worcester. Looks safely held against this tougher line-up fresh.

Mixed fortunes of late. Saluted by 5 lengths two runs back in a steeplechase (5000m) at Wincanton. Not such a happy tale when he last time out in a steeplechase (5000m) at Hereford. Hard to fault on his best form and must be respected.

Missed the placings in a maiden hurdle (3200m) at Uttoxeter two back then did a better job to wind-up third in a hurdle (4000m) at Uttoxeter last start. Ready to find peak form.