Strong Run has been shaping nicely. This is her first sight of a racecourse, but as long as she isn't too green she could challenge our other runner Dream Shadow.
Two strong contenders in this. Dream Shadow has the experience of a point win in Ireland on debut and a good 3rd in her bumper on this track. Normal improvement would see her go very close.
It's been a while since Piecederesistance ran over jumps. He had some good runs on the flat during the summer and ran well at Sedgefield on his last start over hurdles. He ought to handle Fakenham and if he does, he could go close.
Tribal Wisdom had a couple of AW wins earrly in the year. He has been running quite consistently off his revised mark and probably needs to drop another pound or two to resume winning.
The Kemble Brewery showed good bumper form and went off favourite for his first hurdle start at Cheltenham last November. Unfortunately, he had a very nasty experience when nearly coming down and cutting his leg badly, hence he has not run since. A promising horse who has a decent chance.
Clondaw General was impressive in his Irish point-to-point. He's every inch a chaser, but one who should win hurdle races in the meantime. Not that many opponents for this debut but they all have respectable form. I hope we can come out on top.
Law Of Supply had respectable form when winning an Irish point-to-point and showed promise in both a bumper and over hurdles last season. We were always hoping he would be a better chaser and today we will find out!
I have to be worried about the ground for Filanderer - we'll have to assess it when we get there. He's had a break since the spring when he was unlucky on his final start. If he runs he has to hold a very good chance.
Dubawi Time has been consistent without being quite able to deliver a telling blow. He might be better suited by this drop in trip over this galloping course and we have to be hopeful of his chance in this company.
We're looking for another step in the right direction for Washpool. He settled a little better last time and if he can improve a bit more in that direction, he might finish 4h or 5th, which I would be happy with.
Three runners in this race of great repute but to my mind one at the mercy of the Irish who have eight of the top ten. They have targeted it with mostly horses impossible to gauge for the past few years. Aqwaam has been running okay this year but it's hard to think he can…
Destroytheevidence had a great campaign over hurdles last season and this is his first start over fences. It's a tough contest and this will be a huge learning curve for him. We want a good clear round with plenty to build on. Place chances. He's not the biggest but is a very likeable horse.
I think Sun God is well handicapped, but he could run a very good race and still finish 5th. He was narrowly beaten here early in the sseason and it would be nice if he could get involved in another valuable contest.
Fiftyshadesaresdev put in an encouraging run on the first of two trips to Newcastle, but didn't fare so well on a quick return. Capable of running into the money off this mark, but I'd like to see some of our horses run a bit better.
Court In A Storm ran well in his only bumper to finish second at Huntingdon. He must have a great chance here. Well named for the weather we're having!