AceKing

A highly promising hurdler who remains unbeaten over jumps, East India Dock has dominated his races, including a decisive 10-length victory in a Grade 2 over this course and distance. His excellent jumping, strong finishing power, and 100% record at the track make him the one to beat. Expect a bold showing.

Another exciting prospect, Hello Neighbour has already proven his class with back-to-back wins at Leopardstown, including a Grade 1 success. With a perfect record on similar going and further improvement likely, he poses a serious threat to the favorite.

A proven performer at Cheltenham, Absurde won this very race last year and has been targeted for a repeat. His strong Flat form, including a fifth-place finish in the Melbourne Cup, suggests he's improved since. With conditions in his favor and a well-planned campaign, he's a major contender to defend his title.

A consistent performer in Graded company, Daddy Long Legs has a solid win record on similar ground and at this distance. Though he faces a tough task under top weight, he has enough class to be competitive and could be a strong each-way option.

A consistent performer, Shuf Dubai put in a solid effort when finishing third in a competitive 15-runner maiden at Jebel Ali over 6f. He now steps up significantly in trip for his handicap debut, which could unlock further improvement. With Connor Beasley booked and trainer A Bin Harmash’s runners often performing well in these conditions, he looks a strong contender at fair odds.

Back to her best with front-running tactics when winning a Grade 3 at Fairyhouse and only narrowly beaten by Dinoblue last time out. She is 1lb worse off here but could benefit from the step up in trip. Has a solid record in this class and should be a serious contender.

A very smart chaser who shaped best when runner-up in this race last year and has since been competing at the highest level. She returned to winning ways last time out in a listed mares’ chase at Naas, confirming her class. With strong form on similar going and proven ability at Cheltenham, she is the one to beat despite carrying a Grade 1 penalty.

Jet Blue is a classy French hurdler who made an instant impact in Britain by winning the Grade 2 Bristol Novice Hurdle over this C&D. His form suggests he thrives at this track, and with stamina assured, he is a leading player here. Big chance if he returns fit after the break.

The Big Westerner has a strong record, winning at this distance (100%), on similar going (100%), and in this class (100%). She showed her ability with a smart performance in points before transitioning successfully to hurdles, winning a novice event at Punchestown and then a Grade 2 at Limerick over 23 furlongs. With proven form and receiving 7 lb from rivals, she looks like a major contender.

Banbridge has an excellent record at both the Cheltenham Festival (50%) and this course (66.67%), which are strong indicators of his ability to handle the track. His 57.89% win rate on similar going suggests that conditions won't be an issue. The fact that he won the King George at Kempton over 3m, beating Il Est Francais, proves his ability at this trip. The 100% win rate in cheekpieces is another plus. While this race presents a different challenge, he looks capable of putting pressure on Galopin Des Champs.

While Monty’s Star has yet to win at Cheltenham, he has placed before, showing some ability at the track. He finished fifth in the Irish Gold Cup, behind Galopin Des Champs, but the longer trip here could be beneficial. His second-place finishes behind Fact To File and Spillane’s Tower in Grade 1 novice events prove he can compete at this level. Rachael Blackmore is a big plus in the saddle, and Henry de Bromhead's runners always deserve respect at the Festival.

A progressive French import, he dominated a listed hurdle at Auteuil (2m2f, heavy) last spring and now joins Willie Mullins’ powerhouse yard. Unexposed in handicaps and racing for JP McManus, he’s likely well-treated off a mark of 136. His sharp turn of foot on soft ground and Mullins’ knack for priming imports for big races make him a live danger. Expect a bold showing if he adapts to the track.

Wodhooh is the standout pick here. Unbeaten in six starts over hurdles, she thrives at Cheltenham, having already won over this course and distance (2m4f, good to soft) in December. Her 71.4% strike rate on similar ground and ability to quicken decisively make her a formidable force. Trainer Gordon Elliott (83.3% win rate with her) has kept her fresh for this target, and jockey D.J. Gilligan??"who rode her to victory here??"knows her perfectly. With tactical speed and proven stamina, she’s primed to extend her unbeaten streak.