Sadler's Risk is an obvious starting point for this and he has been running well enough over fences early in the winter to merit respect but his overall record when jumping hurdles is not great and he faces some potentially improving sorts now.
Midnight Escape is one such contender having got off the mark at Naas last month over a shorter trip, there should be more in the offing from him.
Woods Well could also be capable of more having run adequately over this trip at Clonmel but the vote goes to
OPEN EAGLE. He was impressive last season and has been given ample time to get over a hard race in the Albert Bartlett a year ago. His absence must be a worry but the fact he's with the champion trainer offsets that somewhat, given his track record of readying horses to come back primed to run.
Burgas hasn't done much wrong over fences this term and can take front rank in this contest going back over flights.
- Open Eagle
- Midnight Escape
- Sadler's Risk