A deep Supreme that should be run at a strong pace spearheaded by Sober Glory, who looks relentless ... Show more A deep Supreme that should be run at a strong pace spearheaded by Sober Glory, who looks relentless and may keep on galloping when others have cried enough. Whether he can repel the expected late closers is another matter and MYDADDYPADDY, one-time favourite for this race, is taken to prove the best finisher. The selection is well worth another chance, with his Formby defeat not necessarily a reason to give up on him and this scenario likely to prove more favourable. El Cairos (second choice) is another contender who retains major potential and should have the cards dropping right. He has been a rough diamond but may become more polished with further experience, and a good effort at last year's Cheltenham Festival bodes very well. Old Park Star is one of the runners who may sit nearer to the front end than ideal but he's top rated and commands considerable respect, while Mighty Park is very short on experience but looks massively promising and Talk The Talk has to be feared, being the only runner who is already a Grade 1 winner.[Steve Boow] Show less

Well Chief (2004) and Western Warhorse (2014) landed the Arkle with just one chase run under their b... Show more Well Chief (2004) and Western Warhorse (2014) landed the Arkle with just one chase run under their belts and the classy KOPEK DES BORDES can follow suit. His strong-travelling success in last year's Supreme is etched in the memory and he can give Willie Mullins a seventh win in this race from the last 12 runnings. Lulamba has had a similar preparation to his illustrious stablemates Sprinter Sacre and Altior and commands major respect, while Steel Ally is also 3-3 in this sphere. Three-time Grade 1 winner Romeo Coolio misses the race in favour of tomorrow's Brown Advisory, but Kargese, who gave him a real fright at Leopardstown last time, has a fine Festival record and needs considering too.[Richard O'Brien] Show less

Saratoga has been the talk of the town for this since finishing second at Naas in a race that has de... Show more Saratoga has been the talk of the town for this since finishing second at Naas in a race that has delivered four of the last seven winners and this smacks of a plan. The same could be true of Glen To Glen (second choice) who would appear to have been saved for Cheltenham since winning his maiden in early December. One who might be going under the radar is HARDY STUFF, who overcame traffic issues to beat Ole Ole (previously second to Glen To Glen) in a maiden at Leopardstown over Christmas, and his run here on Trials Day is readily forgiven as he pulled too hard with open spaces ahead of him. This race could suit his style. As always, there are feasible winners all over the shop, with Winston Junior, Harwa, Manlaga and The Mighty Celt all live each-way contenders.[Alistair Jones] Show less

The step up in trip could be just what Jagwar (second choice) needs but today's distance could also ... Show more The step up in trip could be just what Jagwar (second choice) needs but today's distance could also prove ideal for BLOW YOUR WAD (nap), who has stayed on strongly over 2m5f and 2m4f on his first two starts for Gary and Josh Moore and looked very much at home over 3m at Ascot earlier in the season. He is 4lb ahead of the handicapper following his near-miss in the Greatwood Gold Cup at Newbury ten days ago. The progressive 10yo Filanderer is an intriguing contender, with the form of his comfortable veterans' chase win at Market Rasen in January working out extremely well, and he is third pick despite being 3lb wrong and untested at the trip. Blaze The Way is next on the list, while Iroko, Johnnywho and last year's winner Myretown are also respected.[Ben Hutton] Show less

A somewhat depleted Champion Hurdle with Sir Gino, Constitution Hill and State Man ruled out in adva... Show more A somewhat depleted Champion Hurdle with Sir Gino, Constitution Hill and State Man ruled out in advance due to various woes. However, it's still quite a deep field with some familiar names remaining and some unexposed/progressive types adding interest. The New Lion (second pick) is in a strong position to become the new champion, being unbeaten in completed starts and still promising after just two attempts in open company. However, PONIROS looks a plausible alternative with his own ceiling not yet established. It takes some doing to land the Triumph on a first attempt over hurdles and the selection, who has raced only three times under this code, appears open to any amount of further improvement back at the Cheltenham Festival with the post-layoff DRF run under his belt. Lossiemouth, Brighterdaysahead and last year's (admittedly lucky) winner Golden Ace constitute a strong female hand, preferred in that order.[Steve Boow] Show less

The embers need stirring for a good few of these runners but DOWN MEMORY LANE, who made such a big i... Show more The embers need stirring for a good few of these runners but DOWN MEMORY LANE, who made such a big impression on his chase debut, was ridden with bags of confidence to win at Navan last time out and he could be destined for better things. This race will have been the long-term aim for Madara, whose course form makes him a solid candidate, and he can be the main danger. McLaurey has been challenging for favouritism for a while and he also needs a good look although his jumping will face a stiff test in this big field. Will The Wise, in a tongue-tie this time, Zurich, Booster Bob and Downmexicoway are others to consider, while Riskintheground has possibilities at a price.[Emily Weber] Show less

His big win last month came over just an extended 2m5f but hopefully that indicates chiefly that BAC... Show more His big win last month came over just an extended 2m5f but hopefully that indicates chiefly that BACKMERSACKME will arrive here in rude health and on the upgrade. His performance over 3m1f on this course in October made him a clear candidate for this longer trip and the choice of this race by his ultra-shrewd connections demands a lot of respect. King Of Answers could have been the selection but for some jumping issues here and there when he otherwise won in tremendous style at Kelso last time. He's the second choice ahead of the youngster Kurasso Blue, Iceberg Theory, Grand Geste and Newton Tornado.[Richard Austen] Show less