Leader D'allier arrives as a potentially smart hurdler, following a second and first in novice company. The five-year-old gelding made all to win easily at Punchestown in January, and him missing the Cheltenham festival may have been a blessing in disguise, as he is fresh for this suitable target. He could have too much class for his opposition here for his master trainer.
Zanoosh arrives here chasing a remarkable fifth consecutive hurdle success. The Colm Murphy-trained Harzand mare continued her upward trajectory with a Grade Three win last month. She is open to further improvement and her trainer is well-known for being a top trainer at targeting his horses for big prizes.
I was left frustrated by Oldschool Outlaw at Cheltenham last month, having tipped her in the G1 Mares' Novices' Hurdle, she would arguably have won with a clearer passage entering the home straight. She is the obvious favourite, but I feel that Zanoosh is the better value to reach a placing.
Classic Getaway is expected to fend off his three rivals - with Harry Cobden a notable jockey booking for Willie Mullins. The Getaway gelding is top of these on official ratings and is a Grade Two winner over fences. He was beaten in that class at Gowran Park in February, but this represents a drop in class. I feel that he has found a suitable winning chance here.
UK raider Sixmilebridge holds genuine win claims for trainer Fergal O'Brien. The son of Affinisea is unbeaten over fences - three from three - with his last five-length success over the reopposing Kala Conti in Grade One company reading extremely well. His bold front-running style is to be admired and this may not prove to be the strongest of chases at the top level.
*Please Note: The above Multiple odds update in real time though the price was 9.53 at the time of publication.
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