At Newbury, the likes of Uknowhatimeanharry and Sam Spinner are on a retrieval mission with a couple of young pretenders trying to mix it up.
1. Sam Spinner – Jedd O'Keeffe/Joe Colliver (3-1)
Sprung into prominence last year, but tailed off when it mattered at the likes of Cheltenham.
Goes hard from the front though and can lend itself to the odd quiet showing.
Has a great record fresh which is a big plus, but has to give weight away to a number of rivals.
Ground not a worry and you're guaranteed a good run for your money.
Jedd O'Keeffe on Sam Spinner
"I think we'll be OK ground-wise, so we're all set.
"The Grade 1 penalty makes life tougher and his two main dangers, Unowhatimeanharry and Wholestone, have both had a run at Aintree and both ran really well – and Unowhatimeanharry doesn't have a penalty, so in that respect it will be tough.
"What I hope is that given he's still relatively inexperienced, there's more to come this season. Things have happened very fast for him, his novice year was cut short by a foot problem and then he shot up through the ranks last year when he was still inexperienced.
"What we're hoping is that he's stronger, wiser and more clued-up. The signs at home are very good and the rider (Joe Colliver) is telling me he feels like that, but we'll find out when we get him out there."
2. Wholestone – Nigel Twiston-Davies/Daryl Jacob (9-4)
A solid favourite and as hard as nails. Still young but plenty of miles on the clock.
May want it softer but the harder Sam Spinner goes, the harder test and the grin on Daryl Jacob's face will widen.
Made a good comeback at Aintree and easily holds Uknowhatimeanharry on that run.
Nigel Twiston-Davies on Wholestone
"I was delighted with him at Aintree, he won really well.
"I don't think it's a case of him getting any quicker, he's always had plenty of pace, but he stays really well, too.
"He's so consistent, always runs his race and is a joy to train."
3. Clyne – Evan Williams/Adam Wedge (16-1)
Up in trip and has stamina to prove. But if staying will have plenty of toe compared to a few of these.
Ground not a problem and worth a crack at this for the purpose of finding out a plan for the remainder of the year.
The yard are coming into some form and could be an each way player.
4. Kris Spin – Kerry Lee/Jamie Moore (40-1)
Loves it in the mud and doesn't get that here. Form of last run is solid but the price reflects his chance.
Not getting any younger and yet to have a run this season.
5. Monbeg Theatre – Jamie Snowden/Page Fuller (33-1)
Another outsider that will need a good few to under perform.
Was on a four-timer when found out in weak Grade 2 last time out, and this is a big step up on that.
Enjoys decent ground though and won't want any rain in the build up.
6. The Mighty Don – Nick Gifford/Leighton Aspell (33-1)
Good win at Cheltenham but felt like that was his big day.
Has over 20lbs to find with main threats and used to the hussle and bussle of big field handicaps.
Worth a shot by connections but won't be aimed at the same races as these long-term.
7. Uknowhatimeanharry – Harry Fry/Barry Geragthy (7-2)
One time respected best staying hurdler but lost his way last season.
Beaten in this last year at 7-4 when running okay in second but would need to step up on that.
Encouraging run at Aintree, but again would need to improve plenty to over turn Wholestone on that.
Harry Fry on Uknowhatimeanharry
"He's all set to run and we're looking forward to it.
"Two-and-a-half was a bit too short for him at Aintree, but it was a good comeback run and he was staying on all the way to the line.
"Stepping back up to three miles will suit him, he's mad fit and he doesn't carry a penalty for the first time in this year's renewal.
"I hope he'll be right in the picture."
8. Momella – Harry Fry/Noel Fehily (13-2)
Gets plenty of weight and a horse on the up, which can't be said for the majority of these.
Not the strongest of divisions and wouldn't take it a world beater to mix it with these boys.
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