Spotlight: He hasn't looked a natural in his four chases; however, on the two previous occasions he wore these cheekpieces he ran mighty races in hot handicap hurdles last spring (including runner-up in the Pertemps Final here) and top Irish amateur Derek O'Connor rides today; respected.

Spotlight: Runner-up in the Martin Pipe Handicap Hurdle here (2m4f, heavy) in March 2024; 0-6 over fences but he returned to form when third in a big-field handicap at Leopardstown (extended 2m5f, soft) last month, when shaping as though this first crack at a staying trip could be right up his street.

Spotlight: Ex-French 6yo who has shown promise in defeat on his three starts for this yard (soft/good to soft), most recently fifth of 23 over an extended 2m5f at Leopardstown; kept on well when second over 2m6f at Dieppe last June and it's possible this new trip will be within range; might not be far away.

Spotlight: Second-season chaser who has run well here on his last three starts, finishing second of 16 under Finian Maguire (3m1f, heavy) then fourth over this C&D (good to soft; lost a shoe) before winning here (3m1f, good) on New Year's Day; has had wind surgery since and he's a solid contender.

Spotlight: Inconsistent in this novice campaign but ran well when fourth of 14 at Punchestown (3m3f, heavy) last month and that performance can be upgraded, as he was outpaced in the straight in that slowly run race but rallied strongly in the closing stages; it's almost certain there will be a better gallop here and he could be seen to very good effect up the Cheltenham hill.

Spotlight: Promising novice chaser in 2023-24 season and ran well in Graded hurdles in winter 2024-25; well handicapped on his peak form but he's failed to produce it over the last 12 months; 0-9 over fences and last hurdle win was in April 2023; a major turnaround is needed in first-time cheekpieces.

Spotlight: Disappointing at Leopardstown in December last time but in good form previously for new yard, finishing second in the Munster National in October (3m, yielding to soft); 13l fourth in this race last year when he'd have been closer but for a bad late mistake; each-way shout if back on song.

Spotlight: Backed into 12-1 when winning this off 6lb lower last year (good to soft) under Barry Stone, when clear with Johnnywho (who won the Ultima on Tuesday off 6lb higher than 12 months ago); pulled up in the Irish National next time and well beaten/pulled up over hurdles on both runs this season, so has something to prove regarding current form, but he could go well back here.

Spotlight: Pulled up over hurdles at Leopardstown (3m, heavy) last month and there's a stamina question to answer; however, his best form has come on good to soft ground over fences and the way he kept on for third at Newbury (2m4f, good to soft) in December hints he may have potential over a staying trip.

Spotlight: 10yo who has been lightly raced, with mixed results, since finishing second in the 2022 Ultima here (3m1f, good to soft); however, he returned to form when second at Ascot (3m, good to soft) last month in first-time cheekpieces (retained) and can be in the mix if backing up that effort.

Spotlight: Impressive over 2m5f at Fairyhouse in December on second chase start; two lesser runs have followed in Grade 3s and there remains a question mark regarding stamina; however, Gordon Elliott and Rob James won this with a 7yo novice in 2020 and he's not ruled out in view of the Fairyhouse promise.

Spotlight: 9yo who has a good strike-rate over fences and produced a career-best performance to win at Newbury (3m2f, good) in December when last seen; has also won on soft ground; had just five rivals to beat on that latest start but he was impressive and is not ruled out now 6lb higher.

Spotlight: Third in the Ultima here (3m1f, soft) in March 2023; this 10yo has run respectably in the Welsh National (3m6f, good to soft) and Haydock Grand National Trial (3m4f, good to soft) on his last two starts and is now below his last winning mark; not discounted with blinkers replacing cheekpieces.

Spotlight: Hat-trick last year (2m7f/3m4f, good/good to firm) featured a spring win at Cheltenham; ran well for a long way before tiring at Sandown (3m4f) in December on going that was good to soft, soft in places; better ground today would be a plus for his claims.

Spotlight: Two-time course winner (2m4f, soft/good) who, having dropped down the weights, returned to form when second here on New Year's Day (2m4f, good; albeit no match for the winner); however, he doesn't appear to be crying out for the step up in trip; faded over 3m in February 2024.

Spotlight: Impressive at Musselburgh (2m4f, good to soft) last February and back to form when third there (2m4f, good to soft) in January; however, this inconsistent 9yo was well beaten at Musselburgh last month and this is a big step into the unknown in terms of stamina (albeit that he did win a 3m point).

Spotlight: Very close fourth of six at Sandown last March (3m, good; albeit lost three places close home) and good third over the National fences at Aintree (2m5f, good to soft) in November; however, tailed off there (3m2f, soft) in December and there's a suspicion he'll again be lacking the necessary stamina.

Spotlight: Won at 3m over hurdles at Haydock (soft) last January and scored easily at Aintree (2m4f, soft) in December when back chasing; however, beaten quite some way out in the Welsh National next time (3m6f, good to soft; fell two out) and below par here (2m4f, soft) in January; has to get back on track.

Spotlight: Made all here (2m4f, good to soft) in December and remains well handicapped on his old form for Willie Mullins (at up to 3m1f); however, this 10yo has been pulled up on his last two starts, the latest only 12 days ago.

Spotlight: Won hunter chase here (4m, good) last May and added a handicap here (3m1f, heavy) in November, before finishing second at Sandown (3m4f, good to soft); pulled up in Welsh National next time and tailed off over hurdles latest, but this 11yo has an each-way squeak if returning to form back here.

Spotlight: Course winner who scored in first-time blinkers (retained since) at Fontwell (3m2f, good to soft) in October before 11l second at Ascot (3m5f, good); this 11yo returns from a break today and may find this too competitive.

Spotlight: Runner-up at Cartmel (2m5f, good to soft) last June and he's run well at up to 3m in the past; however, he was tailed off at 50-1 over hurdles at Haydock last month when back from a break and looks up against it today.

Spotlight: Won 2m4f beginners chase at Naas last March and ran well for a long way in the Scottish National in April (4m) before fading; however, struggled over hurdles on final two runs for Willie Mullins and sold for 16,000gns in January; big revival needed in first-time cheekpieces on stable debut.

Spotlight: He's on a competitive mark on chase form as recent as last July; however, he hasn't been at his best on either outing this winter and is now 0-9 over fences; needs to raise his game in first-time blinkers (replacing a visor); well beaten in the NH Chase (3m6f) at last season's Festival.