Timeform Morebattle Hurdle

Started favourite on his first five starts under Rules and won on his debut at Warwick, later following up in a weak race at Wetherby. Seen in better company of late and always travels strongly as he did last time out in a Newbury handicap, although his finishing effort (not for the first time) could be questioned in that race. Comes back in trip here but may find his resolution in a finish severely tested.

Very smart hurdler/chaser who racked up a four-timer in 2015 before injury curtailed his campaign. Handed a very stiff task on his return in a Grade 2 at Haydock recently, behind The New One, but he acquitted himself well with a sound enough fourth place losing his unbeaten hurdles record in the process. Would have needed the race at Haydock, and still has a Champion Hurdle entry, so should play a leading role here.

Veteran hurdler who has in the past been capable of good form but was well beaten in a Grade 2 at Cheltenham last time out. Likely to lead (as usual) but the younger brigade should have the legs on him here.

Second in this race last year but has a little work to do at these weights this time around. Trainer also trained the winner of this in 2015 with Glingerburn and 2013 with Duke Of Navan. Comes into this on the back of a good win at Wetherby recently although he did get the run of the race there and this will prove tougher.