Maureen Mullins National Hunt Challenge Cup Amateur Jockeys' Novices' Chase (Grade 2) (GBB Race)

A close second when departing at the final flight in last season's Albert Bartlett and has taken well to chasing this time round, notably second in 3m Leopardstown Grade 1 novice over Christmas. In process of running well when brought down 3 out at Fairyhouse since. Hood on. Capable of even better.

Useful over hurdles but has really come into his own over fences, winning a Punchestown maiden and Naas Grade 3 around 3m this winter. His strength at the finish last time points to this trip suiting. Fitted with a first-time hood. Looks sure to make bold bid to extend unbeaten chase record to 3.

Dual winner over hurdles who has improved for switch to chasing, coping with the step up to Graded level when edging out Kilbeg King in Reynoldstown at Ascot (3m, good to soft) in first-time cheekpieces last time. Could be more to come for an in-from stable which has tasted success in this before.

Useful novice hurdler at up to 3m last season and has taken well to chasing this term, backing up his improved 14¼ lengths third to Il Est Francais in Kauto Star at Kempton over Christmas when narrowly denied by Henry's Friend in the Reynoldstown at Ascot.

Maiden hurdle winner last season and this former point scorer has quickly made up into a much better chaser, producing a useful performance when routing his rivals in last month's Devon National at Exeter. Needs improvement but he won't lack for stamina. Cheekpieces go on for the first time.

Smart form when winning first 3 starts over fences and ran cracker when losing his unbeaten chase record in the Kerry National at Listowel in September, finishing second of 17 under a big weight. Below par over hurdles in US in October but good chance he'll bounce back returned to larger obstacles.

Won a 3m Grade 1 novice hurdle last season and has taken well to fences this time round, placing in 3m Grade 2s at Warwick and Ascot (2½ lengths third to Henry's Friend and Kilbeg King) in recent months. This increased stamina test promises to suit her.