Trainer - Nicky Richards
Jockey -
By the looks of things, Simply Ned definitely needed the run at Kelso last month, as he faded from the last fence.
His form earlier this year looks good, in particular when finishing second to eventual Champion Chase runner-up- Min twice.
Slots back into Grade 2 company, and could be a leading candidate.
Trainer - Paul Nicholls
Jockey -
Second at Ffos Las last month, and ran on gamely into second in the closing stages.
Will build on that, and is a course and distance winner at Cheltenham. That came in the Grand Annual - the final race of the festival earlier this year, and stormed clear up the run-in.
Can handle the hill at Prestbury Park, which surely gives him a good chance.
Trainer - Alan King
Jockey - Daryl Jacob
The star name in the field returns to action straight back in at the deep end.
He was sadly ruled out of Cheltenham though injury, but his early season form was immaculate.
Four wins from five, which included winning the Henry VIII Novices Chase at Sandown at December, before winning a valuable Grade 2 at Doncaster in the new year.
More to come hopefully, and great to see him back.
Trainer - Nicky Henderson
Jockey -
Mixed campaign last year on his first season over fences.
Bolted up by 28 lengths on his first start at Kempton, before unseating at Sandown in the Henry VIII, and falling in the Clarence House when challenging three out.
Ran onto second in the Arkle behind an excellent novice in Footpad, but fell yet againat Aintree in the Big Bucks Manifesto Novices Chase.
Unreliable, but when standing up, cannot be denied.
Trainer - Brian Ellison
Jockey -
Early career over fences produced much promise, but not found a lot since climbing the ratings.
Last seen finishing sixth in a Listed contest at Ayr in April, and begins this season at Grade 2 level.
A strong challenge looks unlikely.
Trainer - Kerry Lee
Jockey -
Finished a good second to Le Prezien in the Grand Annual at the Festival back in March, and has always run with great consistency in the past twelve months.
Won here in a Handicap in December off a high weight, and can go close once more.
Trainer - Paul Nicholls
Jockey -
Three starts this season, two of which in the past three weeks.
Disappointed coming last in a Listed contest at Kempton after a lay-off - won by Verdana Blue, who to her credit, run on gamely to win a Grade 2 last weekend at Wincanton.
A much improved performance in the Haldon Gold Cup, but needs to improve further dramatically.
Trainer - Colin Tizzard
Jockey -
Weak return run, and nothing to suggest further improvement is coming anytime soon.
Never involved in the top graded races, and perhaps an early contender to rule out.
Trainer - Henry De Bromhead
Jockey -
Took full advantage of an open looking Champion Chase at Cheltenham last year with Douvan suffering an injury mid-race, but the race is there to be won and he took it.
The only negative, is that he has not won any race since.
He was fourth to Altior in the Celebration Chase at Sandown on the last day of last season (San Benedeto 2nd), and age certainly seems to be creeping up on him.
