Won his last outing over hurdles over 2m4f but should relish the step up to 3m following a spin on the Flat at Pontefract last time out.

Likes Ascot as he showed when beating Thomas Darby here last season and this race could be run to suit with a likely patient ride from Leighton Aspell forthcoming.

Looks one to follow now he steps up to three miles, while he showed he liked the course last season as well. An exciting prospect.

Last year's winner could be a tough nut for La Bague Au Roi to crack with Brian Ellison's horses starting to hit top gear.