Jockey and trainer won this race last year with Sceau Royal as he went on to beat the Evan Williams trained Silver Streak by 3 ½ lengths.
He ran on well that day and you certainly cannot rule the old boy out. He is the oldest horse in the race at 10 years of age, but he will relish this trip again over hurdles and will certainly be fancied to make another success of this race again this year.
He will be back to defend his title and has very strong chasing form behind some top National Hunt horses. Worthy favourite.