Making Case for the fav

That was his first outing since Aintree in April and he will strip a lot fitter today and the extra four furlongs should play to his strengths.

The formidable combination of Nicky Henderson and Nico de Boinville are represented by Commodore Miller who was a decent fourth in a Sandown bumper on his return to action and should go well. Hazard Collonges has respectable hurdles form from last season while Battle Of Marathon was a good operator on the flat. Better Henderson and de Boinville should click with LELANTOS (2.20) a steadily progressive sort who has sharp recent form at Fontwell and Southwell. Tiny Tantrum was better in bumpers than over the minor obstacles but is of interest in a first time visor on his first effort in handicap. JONY MAX (1.50) could prove best of two strong Christian Williams contenders in the stayers handicap chase.

No question that over hurdles stablemate Uno Mas was way superior and the likely favourite obviously commands respect, but our selection really took to fences at Wincanton two weeks ago and further progress looks assured.

Fairlawn Flyer is another very much on the upgrade and the Ffos Las winner looks a threat. Lucy Wadham and Bryony Frost won the opener last year with Martello Sky who has gone on to good things since and they can easily repeat the dose now with CODE NAME LISE (12.20).