My Old Gold had an impossible task on her return and ran really well behind the Gold Cup favourite. This opposition is also decent but she's in good form and we expect her to go close.
Blu Cavalier isn't the easiest to train and we've been asking rather a lot of him in graded races. We've dropped him into a more realistic level and as he's been given a little respite by the handicapper he could be competitive although I wouldn't want the ground to dry up too much.
Schiehallion Munro made a very pleasing chasing debut at Catterick. He is thriving at home and we are very happy with the way we go into the race. The favourite will be hard to beat but we will give it a good go!
Imperial Aura was a good hurdler last season and started his chase career with an easy win at Fakenham at 25 to 1 on. We didn't learn a great deal that day, but we will today. We like him very much and are expecting a bold showing.
I Like Him is a nice horse we've brought over from France. He is quite highly rated, and has plenty of experience, but this is a highly-competitive juvenile hurdle, so fingers crossed for a solid race.
Tikk Tock Boom did well at the back-end of last season and starts in a less competitive race over fences. She will benefit greatly from the run but should not be disgraced today.
Book Of Gold had a good novice hurdle season but he has been disappointing since, last winter barely going through the motions. He again disappointed on his comeback at Chepstow but has been in very good order at home lately and the signs are promising for a better showing today.
Ilaya has been a big disappointment but is in a easier grade and does need to show us something today. The feeling in the yard is that she has an each-way chance.
Fifrelet is a nicely-bred French gelding who performs well at home. This is a tough bumper but he won't disgrace himself and Charlie Todd's 7lb claim will be very useful.
Amanto has been a great servant to the yard and didn’t run too badly last time when he wanted further and the race wasn’t run to suit. We’ve stepped him up in trip, and dropped him in grade so hopefully he can run a solid race.
Renardeau was very disappointing at Southwell when he wouldn't face the visors. We've left them off in favour of cheek-pieces today and hope they will rekindle the enthusiasm.
Overtrump has come out of her debut race over hurdles fresh and well, but she will most likely need the experience here again. Her realistic target will more likely be mares' handicaps down the line.
We think Starcat has a futute. He's a nice colt by Lope De Vega and while he'll improve a lot for the experience, he's been showing up nicely with our later-developing colts.
Heresmynumber is having his first race for a while and he's starting back over hurdles after disappointing at Chepstow in the spring. The ground will be fine although I'm not sure he'll like the track. He's well and will go back chasing shortly.
See Forever is a lovely mare making her debut for us since joining from Paul Webber. This looks an ideal race as long as she copes with the ground and we are hopeful of a win.
Martha Brae had a nice run round last time in a hot novice event and will have learnt plenty from it. There is every chance she will be in the frame today after that experience, as she improved hugely between her first and second bumper runs.
Good and Ready is at his best on heavy ground. He has a big weight today but the way he rallied to win at Chepstow last time suggests he can make light of it.