Blue is truly classy

Nicky Henderson's mare won this race two years ago, then won the Christmas Hurdle here when surprising stablemate and Champion Hurdle winner Buveur D'Air.

When last seen she was fourth in the same race where the very soft ground was against her.

Last year's winner of this race, Silver Streak, clearly has prospects again and a case can be made for all in this small but select field but Henderson's mare is the class act.

And Nico de Boinville can also score for Henderson on SUNRISE RUBY (4.43) who loved new front running tactics when taking no prisoners at Newton Abbot and she will be hard to peg back this time too.

FOR PLEASURE (2.22) was a revelation during the summer and really impressed at a higher level last time when beating Shantou Express at Stratford. He can complete a four timer now though Fidelio Vallis will make it interesting.

LEAPAWAY (2.57) gave a career best display last time out when beating Return Ticket by 12 lengths at Hexham and a repeat performance would make the Philip Hobbs- trained gelding the one to beat in a decent contest where both Darling Maltaix and Locker Room Talk merit respect.

At Ffos Las FIDDLERONTHEROOF (2.35) sets out over fences in his first outing since an abject performance in the Supreme Novices.

Colin Tizzard's team were under a cloud at the Cheltenham Festival and Robbie Power's mount should be razor sharp now.

Mind you he will need to be against two very smart rivals.