Coral Long Distance Hurdle (Grade 2) (GBB Race)

Posted a big career best when making a breakthrough at Grade 1 level in the Liverpool Hurdle at Aintree (3m, good to soft) in April. Very much unexposed as a stayer and the one to beat on return.

Became the first dual winner of the Coral Cup (Handicap) at the Cheltenham Festival in March and even better performances when placed in Graded events at Aintree and Sandown in April. The step up to 3m is an unknown but he's the obvious danger to Strong Leader.

Addition of blinkers reignited his spark when seeing off 21 rivals in the Pertemps Final at the Cheltenham Festival (3m, soft) in March. Probably needed run when a below-par third of 4 on his C&D reappearance 22 days ago but even a return to his best is unlikely to be enough back in Graded company.

Useful handicapper who was a good second at Newton Abbot (21.5f) last month. Did run well for third in this last year but the same position is probably the best he can hope for unless others underperform.