The race that kicks us off at Warwick on Saturday is the 2m5f Novices' Hurdle and Earth Lord for Philip Hobbs looks the one to beat in the field.
The six year old this term has turned into the hurdler they thought he would having shown glimpses of form last term, but has now won two of his three events this season.
Making his seasonal debut at Wincanton in November in a Novices' Hurdle over todays trip, he went on to bolt up by close to eight lengths.
He then went to Ascot and although winning in a different way he made it 2/2 for the season, giving 11lb to the eventual second.
Looking to land the hat-trick last time out at Kempton in the Listed Lanzarote Handicap Hurdle he could only go on to finish seventh of 19.
He was not disgraced in that run and this easier, smaller fielded event should see him get back on track.