Howden Long Walk Hurdle (Grade 1) (GBB Race)

Took his form to a new level last term, landing a brace of 19f course handicaps during the winter. Disappointed in 3m Aintree Grade 1 on final start, though, and his reappearance fifth in the Ascot Hurdle shows he needs improvement to figure at Graded level.

Course chase winner who ran a cracker from the front when third in this race last season. Made a solid return to action when fourth in a Cheltenham handicap chase last month but he'll probably still do well to match last year's placing.

Consistent veteran who arrives on the back of wins at Sligo and Navan this autumn. Saw off The Yellow Clay in a Grade 2 at the latter venue but the chances are he'll get found out in this more competitive scenario. Also a bit below par on previous attempt around 3m.

Has won the last 2 runnings of this race but his comeback run over 19f here last month doesn't suggest he's likely to make it 3 in a row, for all the return to a longer trip is sure to suit. Cheekpieces are also refitted.

Scaled new heights when winning Pertemps Final at the Cheltenham Festival (3m, good to soft) in March. Creditable in-frame efforts in 3m Grade 2s at Wetherby and Newbury last month but Strong Leader (twice) and stablemate Impose Toi were ahead of him in those races.

Posted career best when landing Grade 2 Rendlesham at Haydock for Dan Skelton in February but hasn't reproduced that in 3 starts since, the latest his first outing for new trainer Olly Murphy. Outsider.

Won 2½m Grade 1 novice hurdle at Aintree in April. Even better form when ½-length second of 8 to Jasmin de Vaux in another Grade 1 novice at Punchestown later that month, looking well suited by the step up to 3m. Appeals as one who can make his mark in open Grade 1 company this season.

Ran some crackers in defeat in handicaps at the 3 big Festivals in the spring and has taken it up another notch on his return, winning Aintree handicap and Newbury Grade 2 around 3m, the latter by ½ length from Strong Leader. Did receive 6 lb off Olly Murphy's charge so not sure to confirm the form.

Smart French-trained hurdler who bagged a 3m Grade 2 novice hurdle at Cheltenham last December. Not in the same form when well-held in the Albert Bartlett back at Cheltenham in March but he resumed his progression when 6 lengths second in 2m Auteuil Group 1 5 weeks ago.

Bumper winner who made a fine transition to hurdling last term, winning first 4 starts including a Grade 1 novice at Aintree (17f) in December. Exited early in Wetherby Grade 2 won by Strong Leader on reappearance but quickly showed he's none the worse when good third in 19f course Grade 2 since.

Smart stayer who is a former Grade 1 winner. Has looked as good as ever when winning Wetherby Grade 2 and ½-length second of 7 to Impose Toi in Long Distance Hurdle at Newbury this season. 6 lb better off with Nicky Henderson's charge here.