A cracking race and whilst we have respect for River Frost, and this chaps stablemate Diese Des Bieffes, even off top weight this fellow looks potentially still well handicapped and is a strong fancy. A very decent novice hurdler last year having run 2nd to subsequent grade 1 winner Pingshou at Cheltenham, he then bolted up at Newbury before another gallant effort when 2nd to graded performer Wholestone on ground that would have been plenty soft enough. He won easily on his final run and looked a horse full of graded class. Everything went wrong on his chase debut, as he reportedly had issues with the tack, and having jumped right handed and lost all chance he was pulled up early on. His work since has reportedly been very good and he’s kept company with the likes of My Tent Or Yours who won the International Hurdle on his return to action. With the valuable 5lb claimed by the excellent James Bowen and conditions looking to be ideal, he can be backed with plenty of confidence despite giving weight away to the entire field.