Aintree 16:40 Odds Comparison

Ideally suited by front-running tactics and landed this for second successive season 12 months ago (from 3 lb lower). Looks to have had his campaign geared around spring targets again, not unduly punished when fourth at Windsor (2m, soft) in January. Well primed for hat-trick bid.

Useful 2m French hurdler who confirmed previous chase promise when off the mark in 5-runner novice at Chepstow (2m) in January (jumped well). Not seen to best effect in Grade 2 handicap over further at Cheltenham since and demands of this test promise to see him in a much better light.

Enthusiastic front-runner who made a good start to this campaign when in the frame first 3 outings (including here) and better than he could show when fifth at Kempton in February. Return to forcing tactics at 2m can see him to better effect in first-time cheekpieces. Interesting.

Has improved switched to fences this season, scoring at Worcester on return before very good second placings over C&D/Newbury (strong form). Impressed with way he travelled when going in again at Windsor in January and he's set to do even better. Big player.

Very talented novice hurdler in 2022/23, winning Grade 1 at this meeting. Hasn't had a great deal of racing since, including over fences, but in process of running well when falling 2 out in last month's Grand Annual (yet to be asked for effort). Interesting provided he's none the worse.

Useful effort to win 2m Newbury handicap chase on his reappearance in November and still tanking along when unseating at Kempton in December. Ran poorly following 11 weeks off back there 4 weeks ago but return to this trip looks a plus and bounce back not out of the question.

Fairly useful hurdler/chaser in Ireland for Paul Nolan who left previous exploits for this yard in his wake (well backed in refitted tongue strap) when easily seeing off 8 rivals at Bangor (2½m) 9 days ago, jumping better. This is a lot tougher but interesting his top stable pitch him in here.

Quick to establish himself a better chaser than hurdler last season, winning twice. Took it up a notch this time around, twice a runner up in the autumn before again filling fifth spot in last month's Grand Annual at Cheltenham, possibly making effort earlier than ideal. Should go well again.

Justified market support when making a winning handicap chase debut at Wexford (2m) last summer and back on the up following 4 months off when third in a big-field Leopardstown handicap over Christmas. Remains lightly raced so he could yet have more to offer despite career-high mark.

Smart novice chaser who tasted success twice in handicaps prior to finishing a fine second in C&D Grade 1 at this meeting 12 months ago. Resumed with a good third in handicap at Cheltenham and whilst well held both starts since, this much more suitable than his latest Champion Chase assignment.

Veteran who has been lightly raced in recent seasons and following another breathing operation, he didn't threaten when eighth in last month's Grand Annual at Cheltenham. Eased further 4 lb but others look to hold much stronger claims. Cheekpieces tried.

Race run to suit when notching career-best success in listed handicap at the Punchestown Festival last spring. Form figures this season have been uninspiring but no surprise to see a revival back on quicker ground in refitted cheekpieces.

Dual winner last season prior to finishing fifth in this race. Largely struggled this season and having posted a couple of better efforts from reduced mark in January, he never figured when third at Chepstow (2m, soft) 7 weeks ago. Others more persuasive.

Smart chaser for Willie Mullins who caught the eye starting out for new yard when fourth at Doncaster (2m) in February. Failed to build on that over a longer trip at Newbury since though, and percentage call to look elsewhere now minus his usual hood.

Made it 2 wins from first 3 starts this season when scoring at Haydock (19.9f) in December. Posted a decent second at Doncaster in January prior to finding less than looked likely off the bridle at Carlisle (2m) 52 days ago. Victories to date have come in single-figure fields.