HORSE-BY-HORSE GUIDE

ASHDALE BOB

Third in last season’s Coral Cup and has run creditably in defeat a couple of times this season, when trailing in the wake of Home By The Lee. Others preferred from a win perspective.

BLAZING KHAL

The subject of fitness concerns and reported to have had a rushed preparation. Remains a potentially high-class hurdler, though, and boasts plenty of useful track form.

DASHEL DRASHER

Enjoying another excellent season but outclassed by Gold Tweet here in the Cleeve Hurdle last time and probably vulnerable to a rival with younger legs.

FLOORING PORTER

Winner of the last two renewals when afforded an easy lead and this year’s preparation suggests he remains competitive as he strives to complete a notable hat-trick.

GOLD TWEET

Sprung a mini surprise with a stylish defeat of Dashel Drasher in the Cleeve Hurdle and was wisely supplemented, given conditions will be perfect for him here.

HENRI LE FARCEUR

Progressing as a hurdler and arrives on the back of a nine-length rout in an Auteuil Grade Two before Christmas. Dangerous to dismiss, ground sure to suit.

HOME BY THE LEE

Looks to have matured and victories in Navan’s Lismullen Hurdle and in Grade One company over Christmas give him major claims of improving on last year’s sixth place in this.

KLASSICAL DREAM

Talented, if mercurial, hurdler who boasts a good record fresh, so the 102-day absence since chasing home Teahupoo at Fairyhouse should be no issue for last year’s fifth.

PAISLEY PARK

The 2019 winner continues to perform well, even if his latest effort in the Cleeve wasn’t up to his normal lofty standards. Suspicion a rival with fresher legs will prove too strong here.

SIRE DU BERLAIS

Sprang a spring shock in Grade One company at Aintree last April, but subsequent efforts haven’t been so impressive and more needed to make any impact on a strong renewal.

TEAHUPOO

Has thrived since being stepped up in trip and includes Honeysuckle and Klassical Dream among his victims this season. Major player with ground sure to suit.