With further improvement plausible, GWENNIE MAY BOY is taken to score on this card for the second year running. Strong Leader, who won this prize 12 months ago, is second choice ahead of The Wallpark who has solid-looking claims. Teahupoo has gained most wins when fresh and, unlike many of these rivals, lacks Aintree form but he's a leading force in the staying division and commands major respect on the figures. Kitzbuhel brings potential, assuming he sees out the trip.[Steve Boow]
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Successful in a couple of useful handicaps at Ascot (2m3f, good) since wearing cheekpieces; open to further progress in the headgear but appears to have a stiff task on these terms and the trip is an unknown.
Ran creditably in this contest 12 months ago (finished second) and the latest edition of the Stayers' Hurdle (also good to soft; finished fifth); however, appears set for another supporting role, with Grade 1 record now 0-7.
Smart hurdler/chaser in his prime; soundly beaten in this race for the last two years, however, and three defeats over fences this season confirm that he's not the force of old; this veteran can be opposed.
Record of 4-7 for current stable includes emphatic wins in the 3m handicap hurdle on this card last year and the Rendlesham (Grade 2) at Haydock on latest outing, both on good to soft ground; could well have further progress in him; respected back at Aintree.
Ran well in this contest 12 months ago (good to soft; finished third) and the Long Walk at Ascot in December (close second); each-way shout on those efforts but needs to rebound, having flopped badly at Gowran Park when back down in grade last time.
Failed to show his form in this race two years ago; otherwise a smart stayer and he beat Bob Olinger in Graded races in November/December (both on yielding), prior to having no luck (hampered by faller and unseated rider mid-race) in the Stayers' Hurdle; capable of being involved.
Seems versatile as regards ground; ex-French 5yo who is 2-2 since joining Willie Mullins, both wins over 2m, latest in Grade 3 event at Gowran Park; promising sort who is a very interesting contender, assuming he stays this markedly longer distance.
Creditable fifth to Gwennie May Boy on this card last year, having won the Pertemps Final (3m, soft) the time before; creditable second in Grade 2 contests the last twice but this is harder; well beaten in this race in 2023.
Has shown his best form over fences, notwithstanding a Listed win in this sphere; well behind Gwennie May Boy at Haydock on sole start this season and is bottom of this pack on hurdles figures; enough to prove.
Ran as if something was amiss in the Long Walk (subsequently had wind surgery) and latest effort confirms that Cheltenham isn't his ideal track; promising stayer otherwise since upped to 3m and registered a clearcut success in this race 12 months ago (good to soft); shortlisted.
Leading stayer whose success in the 2024 Stayers' Hurdle (soft) was the middle leg of a Grade 1 hat-trick; beaten favourite back at Cheltenham (good to soft) last month when bidding to defend his crown but far from discredited in finishing a clear second; again top on ratings.
Completed a four-timer, mostly in handicaps, last July-October; has made the frame in the Long Walk and Stayers' Hurdle (both on good to soft) since upped to Grade 1 level; finished 8l behind stablemate Teahupoo last time but remains comparatively unexposed at 3m and may rate higher still; in the mix.
Ran respectably in the 2m4f Mares' Hurdle at Cheltenham last time, while shaping as if this step back up in distance will suit; 1-1 over 3m (good to soft; Doncaster Grade 2 mares' win on penultimate start) but this is a stiffer assignment.
1/5 Odds Place 1,2,3
( Pool guide displayed could change before the race starts & should be used as a guide only )
