Ladbrokes Champion Stayers Hurdle (Grade 1)

Ahead of Snow Falcon when second to Vroum Vroum Mag in Christmas Hurdle (G1) at Leopardstown, but tables turned when both were beaten by Shaneshill at Gowran, and only sixth behind Nichols Canyon in Stayers' Hurdle at Cheltenham last month.

Completed a hat-trick over hurdles at Naas in November, and has held his form well since, splitting Renneti and Tombstone at Fairyhouse on latest start. That creditable effort merely underlines the task that faces him here, however, and opposable at the highest level.

Has developed into a high-class handicapper this term, winning at Navan, and better than ever when third to Presenting Percy in Pertemps Final at Cheltenham. Biting off a bit more than he can chew here, though, unless he can find another big chunk of improvement.

Made a winning start for Gordon Elliott in 2m2f maiden chase at Gowran in October, but wheels have fallen off since, and last of five behind Renneti on return to hurdles at Fairyhouse most recently. Very hard to fancy on that evidence.

Admirable sort who rarely goes down without a fight, and looked likeliest winner until Nichols Canyon pounced late in Stayers' Hurdle at Cheltenham last month. Rested since, and ought to run his usual game race if recovered from those exertions.

Has mixed it with the very best at two miles, but stayed well on the flat, and appreciated rare try at this trip when beating Lil Rockerfeller in Stayers' Hurdle at Cheltenham in March. More to come at 3m, and unbeaten in three starts at Punchestown, so hard to oppose.

Showed what he could do when springing a minor shock in this contest last year (Shaneshill closing when falling at the last), but hasn't taken to chasing in two starts this term. Presumably primed for a repeat effort, but this renewal looks much deeper, and he has a bit to prove now.

Set to go close when falling in this race 12 months ago, and had a trio of these in his wake when landing Galmoy Hurdle at Gowran in January. Something surely amiss when pulled up in Stayers' Hurdle last month, and more likely than not to bounce back, so can't be ignored.

Reversed earlier form with Clondaw Warrior when second to Shaneshill in Galmoy Hurdle in January, and bounced back from lesser effort at Cheltenham when third to Yanworth in Liverpool Hurdle at Aintree last time. Reliable sort ought to be fighting it out for minor honours again.

Progressive sort who has looked out of the top drawer when winning both starts over shorter this season, latest from De Plotting Shed at Navan (2m5f) in February. Has bypassed other targets due to preference for soft ground, and would appreciate any rain. Respected if given his chance to run.

Top-notch stayer who won competitive graded races at Newbury, Ascot and Cheltenham this winter, and far from disgraced when third behind Nichols Canyon and Lil Rockerfeller in Stayers' Hurdle last month. Sure to give his running, and hard to kick out of the frame.

Picked up big pots in France last summer, and has improved again since, making frame behind Petit Mouchoir at Leopardstown and in Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham. Untried beyond 2m3f, but promises to stay further.