Trainer - Neil King
Jockey -
Made it three from three over fences at Exeter at the weekend, and could go for a fourth success at Newbury.
Well loved horse by many; who is always determined to give his all, has an exciting season ahead of him having transitioned well from hurdles to fences.
Major involver if taking his place here.
Trainer - Philip Hobbs
Jockey -
Significantly lightly raced for a 8yo, but has the luxury of his two most recent runs both coming at this track, so no stranger to the Newbury scenery.
Wants an absolute mud bath, so is praying for the heaves to open between now and Saturday.
Been off for almost ten months which is a cause for concern.
Trainer - Colin Tizzard
Jockey -
Last season's overpriced Albert Bartlett winner, got off the mark at the first time of asking over fences at Ffos Las recently.
He showed his guts and drive to rally after being headed to lead at the post - so not all convincing, but he got the job done.
That was on heavy ground, but has proved particularly at Cheltenham that he can score on soft.
Trainer - Ben Pauling
Jockey -
Ben Pauling has a busy weekend ahead of him, and would be boosted by a big performance from Le Breuil.
Won at Huntingdon on his seasonal return - although in a two-runner field, but then finished a fine second at Prestbury Park behind Count Meribel in a top-rated field.
Ran no sort of race in the Coral Cup at the Festival, but slowly getting back to rediscovering his top efforts. Will make a bid.
Trainer - David Pipe
Jockey -
Ignoring his disappointing tenth in the Martin Pipe at Cheltenham earlier this year, incredibly this 5yo has never been defeated.
Five runs, four wins, two of which coming in top hurdles contests at both Aintree and Carlisle.
Heading into unknown territory now, but definitely one to keep an eye on.
Trainer - Kim Bailey
Jockey -
Notched up the hat-trick at Wetherby last time, going up 20lb in the weights as a result of his last three wins.
Always travels strongly and jumps fluently, and will surely throw down some sort of challenge here.
Chances.
Trainer - Nicky Henderson
Jockey -
Santini has skipped the Friday card, so there is every chance he is set to line up here for his seaosnal reappearance.
This son of Milan, finished third last year when well fancied for the Albert Bartlett behind Kilbricken Storm at the Festival, before putting his mistakes right in the G1 Doom Bar Sefton Novices' Hurdle.
Big, strong and scopey horse, which looks to suit jumping fences can get off the mark here at the first time of asking.
Trainer - Graeme McPherson
Jockey -
Does not bode well that Skipthecuddles fell on his most recent outing at Sandown, and now prepares to step up to jumping fences.
Having said that, he did score smartly over timber at Ludlow, but needs to improve dramatically with several promising rivals around him.
Trainer - Nick Mitchell
Jockey -
All three of his most recent runs have come at Chepstow, with two seconds, and being pulled up in a bigger field in the other contest.
Appears to labour quite often, and that is in much lower divisions. A massive turn around and a big step up is needed for him to be in real contention here.
Trainer - Nicky Henderson
Jockey -
Intensively ground dependent, Thomas Campbell finally came back to win at Ludlow on Wednesday, having finished fourth on his reappearance.
Unlikely to line up here so quickly off the back of that win, but trainer eager to boost his confidence over fences, and looks a smart prospect going forward.
Trainer - Paul Nicholls
Jockey -
Former Champion Trainer Paul Nicholls is represented here through Topofthegame, who was last seen finishing a tight second in the Coral Cup at the Cheltenham Festival.
Looks behind the others of fitness and overall sharpness, but no doubt about his quality.
