Early Doors ran a cracker in this last year finishing a fine 3rd off a mark just 3lbs lower. He’s had a couple of runs behind Apple’s Jade this season, protecting his handicap mark. Only a 5yo last year, he’ll be a stronger and better horse now and must go close again.
Style De Garde is a bit of a monkey and refused to race a couple of runs ago so it might be wise to get on as they jump. Although he has jumped off fine on his last 2 runs, so hopefully that was a one off. He came 2nd in the Fred Winter at last years Festival off a mark of 137 before being tried in grade 1 company. Having been sent over fences this season, he returned to hurdles last time finishing 2nd in a small field. He didn’t help his chances that day by pulling hard early on. He the type to relish a big field and a strong pace so he can settle early on and finish his race well. That’s what he gets here and this talented but quirky individual has the ability to win this,