Useful prospect who disappointed on his hurdling debut. Learned a lot from that experience when jumping more soundly next time in a weak looking race. Will come into his own over further in due course but has an obvious chance here in a race lacking depth.
Triple Flat winner who chased home a useful prospect before opening his account last time. The runner-up gave a good account in decent company next time. Represents a yard that took this in 2013 and 2014.
Runner-up in an Irish point-to-point and subsequently bought for £45,000. Pulled hard on his debut and did not settle any better last time in the hood. Stable are going through a lean spell.
The two previous winners REIVER'S LAD and Viserion are the two to concentrate on. The latter has improved with each run over hurdles for a yard with a good record in this race. The form of his latest victory gives him an obvious chance judged by the subsequent effort of the runner-up. REIVERS LAD achieved less when beating more moderate rivals last time but he was most impressive. He is being brought along in typically patient fashion by his trainer and is highly regarded. With his yard in better form than that of his rival he merits the selection. Henpecked looks best of the rest.