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Imperial Eylsian is in great form. I think he could go close in this today as he is well handicapped and was unlucky to fall last time.

Duke of Navan won the corresponding race two years ago and has been gradually edging down the weights. Also this is getting to be much more his ground so he could go close today.

Western Miller was in good form over longer distances in the summer, but has been below that level lately. I'm thinking that trying him back at two miles on a galloping track might suit him.

Shah An Shah is a lovely horse who has taken time to come to himself. He made a big improvement when fourth at Doncaster last time and now handicapped can go well over a longer trip which ought to suit him better.

Yauthym ran really well on debut when a mistake at the last flight definitely cost her second place. She should come on for the experience and while probably not good enough to win this, she could sneak a place

Captain Tommy looked a highly-promising hurdler last season but so far this winter has been very disappointing. His mark has slipped so a form revival is not out of the question.

Robyndzone has been knocking on the door in all of his races. He ran well on chase debut and should give another good account today. Obvious each-way claims but he has the ability to win if he wanted to put it all in.

Like Excalibur, Ex S'Elance is an in-and-out performer, more out than in! Last time he bled from the right nostril, but he hadn't done that before. Again a small place chance but now he comes with a health warning!.

Overworkdunderpaid has been very disappointing, so today he gets a big drop in grade, reverting to hurdles for the first time in almost two years. He's never won, so needs to pull his finger out!

Quantum of Solace slightly surprised us when winning first time back the other day and remains in great form. The ground was softer than ideal when she was second in this race 12 months ago but under more suitable conditions she looks a good bet today.

Makety has had a frustrating winter waiting for decent ground. She was fourth at Stratford on her one previous run this term, but she hated the tacky ground that day. Makety has talent - she was fourth in a decent novice hurdle at Newbury last season. I'm hopeful there's plenty of improvement to come and…

Velvet Morn found six furlongs too sharp last time. As long as she gets away on terms, back up to seven and in a 0-60 she'd have a solid each-way chance.

This is Paddling's favourite track. I'm not sure if the step up in trip will suit although his owner thinks it will. He's in good form and if he stays he should go very close.

Schiehallion Munro is a course and distance winner and I think he has an outstanding chance today. He jumps and stays well and is in great form at home.

Russian Royale has a strong each-way chance with the highly-capable Aidan back on and taking the 10lb off. The favourite will be hard to beat but we go into the race in super form and on the back of a much-improved performance last time.

Carlow Farmer has been off for a couple of years since winning his sole Irish point and whatever happens today he'll improve a ton for the race. It's probably short of his potentially-ideal trip too, so it will be a learning curve for us.

Hitherto to win a chase going left-handed, Loose Chips ran well going that way round at Warwick last time finishing third. Remaining on his lowest mark, he may get home in front this time. It would be great to see him winning as a 14-year-old.

Mayo Star is a nice horse but he hasn't run for two years, when he was with the late Malcolm Jefferson. He's done plenty of work but will definitely come on for the run and probably has the Gordon Elliott horse to beat.

Glinger Flame improved a lot over hurdles last summer and I was delighted with his first run over fences, learning as he went along and finishing off his race well. I think he'll win plenty of chases, hopefully starting today.

Tanqeed has been disappointing since joining us but his rating has eased accordingly. Maybe Adam Kirby can encourage a better performance.