Grade 1 novice hurdle winner before performing with credit at the big spring festivals. Unbeaten first 4 starts since switched to fences, winning a trio of Grade 1 contests over shorter trips. Hooded and beaten before stamina for 25f came into play (made mistakes) in the Brown Advisory.

Was bidding for a unique National hat-trick having won the Irish and Welsh versions in the last 12 months but a heavy defeat in Cheltenham Gold Cup was hardly an ideal preparation and he was never really involved at Aintree. Yard going well ahead of the reappearance.

Took really well to chasing last season, producing a career best when landing Grade 1 Novices' Chase at Fairyhouse (2½m, soft) in April. Second in another Grade 1 at Punchestown (25f) and picked up where he left off when smooth winner at Gowran. This is probably on the limit of his stamina.

Progressive novice hurdler a couple of seasons back (runner-up in the Albert Bartlett) and produced a big career best in this sphere when taking the Grade 1 Savills Chase at Leopardstown over Christmas. Subsequent run can be excused (lame) and he's a definite contender on his peak form.

Classy chaser who returned to form in a first-time visor when failing by a whisker to retain King George crown on Boxing Day. The headgear didn't have quite the same impact in the Ryanair before his jumping failed the test in the Grand National. Winning Flat debut will have put him spot on for this.

Dual Grade 1 winner as a novice but didn't kick on in open company last season, ending the season with a couple of disappointing handicap efforts. Beaten a long way in second on Grade 3 on reappearance and right up against it on these terms.