Best efforts in four starts over hurdles have come in his last two races. Seemed to be caught out by the stiff nature of Towcester when third last time and this sharper track may be more suitable. Has to be considered.
Has been making steady improvement over hurdles and ran well to be second of eight at Worcester last time. Seemed to relish the softer ground that day so any rain would be welcome.
Won an Irish point-to-point in April, 2015, but has not been sighted since. His subsequent long absence is a slight worry, but the champion trainer is adept at getting horses fit after a lay-off and there is a strong possibility he may be different class to these rivals.
Two runner-up displays either side of a pulling-up at Doncaster suggest he is capable of winning an ordinary race such as this. Providing he can avoid the sort of blunder he made at the last at Worcester last time, he should make his presence felt.
Kalanisi brother to a successful pointer and a bumper winner. Makes his debut in an ordinary race and the market will be the best guide to his chances.
Winning point-to-pointer, who has finished third twice in three runs over hurdles, including over C&D last month. Normal progress should see him go well, but others have stronger profiles.
Forecasts
Monbeg Legend (6/4), Global Bonus (11/4), Rollo's Reflection (3/1), Alpha Indi (7/1), West Class (25/1), Top Of The Morning (25/1)
Of those to have run over hurdles, Alpha Indi and Rollo's Reflection make most appeal, but there is a strong chance that MONBEG LEGEND is a class above them given the evidence of his winning debut in a point-to-point. He represents a top stable and should be fit enough to do himself justice after his long lay-off.