Second to Wholestone over 2m4½f at Cheltenham (gave rival 3lb) but reversed next in 3m Cleeve at same venue off level weights. Second next in Haydock Grade Two slightly disappointing but capable here first time up.
Beat Agrapart over 2m4½f before rival reversed over 3m. Excellent efforts subsequently with third in Stayer's hurdle and second in Aintree Grade One next which suggests he remains on the up so leading claims here.
Three-time Grade One winner won this race last year before two sound placed efforts. Below-par latest in Stayer's Hurdle when 10th (11L behind Wholestone) but gets 4lb from that rival here and big chance if the force of old at the weights.
Bolted up last season at Exeter and backed that up with sixth to exceptional novice Samcro at Cheltenham before better still when second in Grade Ones here and at Punchestown. Unseated on chase debut but respected back over hurdles.
High-class over hurdles and fences, twice winning the Ultima Handicap Chase at the Cheltenham Festival as well a French Grade One hurdle. Won this in 2016 but absent all last season so surely need this run.
Non-Runners
5
High Secret7
Weight: 10-12| Age: 7
T: D Skelton J: Harry Skelton
NR
Forecasts
Wholestone (2/1), Unowhatimeanharry (2/1), Vision Des Flos (11/4), Agrapart (10/1), Un Temps Pour Tout (10/1), High Secret (20/1)
The weights here favour 2017 winner Unowhatimeanharry but the younger WHOLESTONE had the beating of him at Cheltenham and appeared a progressive hurdler last season so he gets the vote. Agrapart is closely matched with the selection with one win each although his success over Wholestone came over 3m on heavy ground and this will therefore prove a very different sort of test.