The market is headed by ante-post Supreme favourite Angels Breath, but there are some exciting horses in opposition.
1. Angels Breath – Nicky Henderson/Nico de Boinville (8-13)
Exciting prospect who was well-backed and won impressively in a Grade 2 on his hurdling debut at Ascot.
He currently heads the betting for the Supreme at the Cheltenham Festival, and he is undoubtedly the one to beat under his penalty.
Nicky Henderson on Angels Breath
"We've got through the bad weather so it's time to get going. He needs the experience.
"He's been working great and he's in good form. He's going up to near two and a half miles. That's fine, I'm not worried about it.
"The plan is to come back to two, I would think. We'll see what happens tomorrow.
"I thought it was a good place to go. It's a good track and it's a nice race for him and it will be a good test I'm sure."
2. Anytime Will Do – Dan Skelton/Harry Skelton (7-1)
Unbeaten under Rules and won a shade cosily at Bangor when last sighted in October.
Freshened up for a spring campaign after that, and he should not be underestimated.
3. Emitom – Warren Greatrex/Gavin Sheehan (5-2)
Very exciting prospect who is unbeaten in four starts under Rules.
Jumping was a bit scrappy at Lingfield last time, but he is held in high esteem. Big player for yard who have a good record in this race.
Warren Greatrex on Emitom
"Everything has been OK and all has gone to plan since Lingfield. The snow the other week was a bit of a pain, but he didn't miss anything.
"Nicky Henderson is taking Angels Breath there and it looks a hot renewal. It will be a good test for him to see what he can do.
"He has schooled well since Lingfield. I'm half thinking that in a better race he will be more switched on and that his jumping will therefore be better.
"We can't do any more than what we have done at home. He can lose his concentration a bit, but again in a better race he should be more alert.
"Ma Da Fou and Keeper Hill, who we have won it with, and Western Ryder, who was second last year, were all good horses so it would be unfair to say he is better, but he has got lots of potential."
4. Hold The Note – Mick Channon/Tom O'Brien (14-1)
Promising five-year-old opened his account over hurdles at Doncaster last time.
Needs to up his game to trouble a few of these, but he is going the right way.
5. I K Brunel – Olly Murphy/Aidan Coleman (16-1)
Cosy winner of a bumper on debut at Carlisle in November.
Third behind subsequent Grade 1 winner Elixir De Nutz on hurdle debut at Cheltenham last time. One to note.
6. Strong Glance – Fergal O'Brien/Alain Cawley (28-1)
Smart bumper form but yet to get going over in two hurdles starts.
Had a wind op and tongue tie now fitted, but looks up against it.
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