Has run some valiant races in defeat this season but failed to complete when pulled up in the G1 Stayers Hurdle at Cheltenham in first time blinkers. Cheekpieces reapplied. Hard to trust and looking elsewhere.

Veteran who's been in patchy form of late but has won his last two stats over hurdles. This warrants a career best and it's difficult to see that is possible at this stage of his career. Not today in this company.

Travelled well for a long way in the G1 Stayers Hurdle last month before not getting up the hill at Cheltenham. It's possible he wants a flat track as he gets older. Not without a place chance on his best form.

Won this last season and warmed up for this when finishing a well-held fifth at Navan in the G2 Boyne Hurdle when the yard were out of form. Leading contender and not ruled out.

Finally got his day in the sun when winning the G1 Stayers Hurdle by 1.25L last month. Can be hit and miss in his veteran years. Hard to fault whilst in this good vain of form.

Winner of the G1 Mersey Novices' Hurdle here last season. Not disgraced in the G1 Long Walk Hurdle on the return to action in December at Ascot before weakening after being keen in the G1 Stayers Hurdle last month. The one to beat back here

Looked to have the world at his feet when winning the G1 Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot before Christmas. Possible he's better on flatter tracks. Has won at this venue. Well worth another chance.

Struggled to make an impact on his return to action but caught the eye at Cheltenham on New Years Day before running out an impressive winner of the G3 Coral Cup at Cheltenham last month. Well worth his place at this level.

Won this race in 2024 in good fashion and held every chance when making a mistake at the second last here twelve months ago. In good form this season before disappointing at Cheltenham. Respected back on a flat track.

Returned to form to win the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys Handicap Hurdle at Cheltenham last month. Tries 5000m for the first time. Has to be considered with the yard back in form.

Harry Cobden is a notable booking in the absence of Brian Hughes. Unlucky to have bumped into a well handicapped rival in the G3 Pertemps Final Handicap Hurdle at Cheltenham. This requires a personal best.

Honest mare who always gives a bold show but has finished behind Impose Toi and Strong Leader this season. Unlikely she'll be good enough but place claims at best.