Trainer - Emma Lavelle
Jockey - Aidan Coleman
Nice winner on return in the Racing UK Handicap Hurdle at Aintree, but takes a jump back up to graded company.
Finished down the field in the Albert Bartlett at the Festival in March, but seems to have found his level.
Must contend with top weight.
Trainer - Paul Nicholls
Jockey - Harry Cobden
Progressed last term into a fine middle-distance hurdler.
Returned in a Grade 3 at Chepstow last month, and stayed on in the closing stages. He will build from that effort and will surely make the frame here.
Wants the heavens to open, and for rain to pour down on Merseyside, as he acts best on heavy ground.
Trainer - Sandy Thomson
Jockey - Brian Hughes
Shades Of Midnight returned at Ayr at the beginning of this month in a similar contest in a Class 3 back over hurdles, after a disappointing season over fences.
He was either last or unfinished in three of his five outings over the larger obstacles last campaign, and a return to timber is understandable.
Lots to find however on better suited rivals.
Trainer - Tom Symonds
Jockey - James Davies
Second to Jersey Bean in the Pertemps Series Qualifier at Newbury at big odds could stand him in good stead here.
Another switching back to hurdles after chasing last campaign, and worth a market watch on the day.
Trainer - Nick Gifford
Jockey - Daryl Jacob
Been off for seven months, and was last seen disappointing at Stratford, when a beaten favourite.
A horse who likes to switch between hurdles and fences, reverts back to Hurdles, and was last seen over timber in the Pertemps Final at the Festival when finishing a distance 11th.
Was a good third in this last year behind Sam Spinner, and a repeat of that performance will give him a good chance.
Trainer - Ian Williams
Jockey - Tom O'Brien
In flying form, and arrives here with strong credentials, having scored twice at Cheltenham, most recently in a listed event over this distance last weekend.
That was an impressive display, beating Boyhood by nine lengths, and certainly looks a young horse on the rise.
Will be hard to pass if repeating last week's success.
Trainer - Gordon Elliott
Jockey - Richard Johnson
Gordon Elliott sends Folsom Blue over from Ireland, and has picked up the services of Champion Jockey Richard Johnson, who rides Native River in the days feature.
Much inconsistency last year, but did pick up a couple of wins over hurdles. The vibes are good from the stable, and you can never dismiss words from one of Ireland's leading marksmen.
An interesting quantity first time out.
Trainer - Sophie Leech
Jockey - Sean Houlihan
Two disappointing efforts this terms, finishing outside the top ten at Cheltenham, and falling at Fontwell.
His best form has come in lower class events, and may be a shade out of his depth here in a Grade 3.
Hard to fancy in all honesty.
