JiggsCasey

Inside Man has won his last two and is consistent and improving. Won well enough the last twice without needing to pull out all the stops and beat Bowmore fairly enough last time. There seems no reason to think a reversal will be probable, though it might be an RFC consideration as a backup.

Jackie Hobbs could be interesting. Didn't need a pipe opener last year, so goes well fresh. Won up to class 2 level in bumpers but was a little stretched in class 1 at Aintree. If translating that level of ability to hurdles, has a great chance considering the current form of the yard. Trainer likes to aim high with owner Noel Fehily's hurdlers.

East India Express has competed and won at the highest level last season. Ran well to be 7th in the Martin Pipe last year at the festival. Lowered sights slightly back there next time and won easily. Was backed to favorite after a break to beat 19 rivals there and was close up late only to fall. The manner of the runs has illustrated that staying is the name of his game, so this extra distance is up his street, as is the configuration of the track.

Without Compromise has found form since switching to synthetics. Has run well the last two here, winning well, then only just losing to another improver last time. Running off the same mark here, that form sets the bar.

Sturlasson was a short price to win again last time, but both jockey and horse were caught napping in the stalls at Southwell. Ran on late, but too late. This is the same surface but will suit late finishers more. Has done well in the 4 runs since joining the yard.

Coramento has to concede weight all around but still looks the better proposition here. He has won half of his races on AW and has been 2nd and won last time both here. The track plays to his style (late finish) and he can go in again. Concert Boy has run 52 times (turf and AW) and has only won three races. The positive of that is that all three have been here at around this mark. Likely the challenger.