Aintree 16:40 Odds Comparison

Placed in all 3 bumpers and has translated that ability to hurdles, winning Ludlow maiden and Plumpton novice but was put firmly in his place by the reopposing Mondoui'boy at Ascot in between those victories and will surely come up short at this level.

Dual bumper winner who has improved in leaps and bounds over hurdles since the cheekpieces went on, completing a hat-trick under a typically positive ride in the Grade 2 Prestige Novices' Hurdle at Haydock in February. This demands more again, but he's earned his place.

Fairly useful bumper/hurdle winner who typically gave his running when fifth in Grade 1 at Leopardstown (22.2f) in early February, though seemed to find the test too much, so is easy enough to oppose over this still longer trip in another hot race. Cheekpieces go on.

Unbeaten in 2 bumpers last winter and going the right way over hurdles, supplementing his Taunton success in 4-runner novice at Ffos Las (2½m) in February. Has appreciably more on his plate now but he's in good hands and could progress further over this longer trip.

Shaped well on sole hurdles run for Nicky Henderson last season and has improved significantly with each run for new yard, looking well served by the markedly longer trip when completing the hat-trick in the Spa at the Cheltenham Festival last month. Unexposed as a stayer and has obvious claims.

Useful bumper winner who has quickly reached a similar level over hurdles, overcoming the rise in class in a first-time tongue tie when edging a Grade 2 at Cheltenham on Trials Day. Seemed beaten by stouter stayers in the Spa at the Festival, so this slightly easier track is likely to suit.

Promise in a couple of bumpers for Harry Derham last season. Changed hands for £115,000 in October and confirmed positives of Ludlow hurdles debut success when following up in clear-cut style at Ascot (19.3f). Acquitted himself well up in grade in the Spa at Cheltenham and has solid each-way claims.

Created an excellent impression in winning his first 3 starts over hurdles, including the Grade 1 Challow at Newbury in December. Had very little go right when pulled up in Baring Bingham at the Cheltenham Festival and retains obvious potential now stepping up in trip.

Irish point winner went close on Rules debut at Ludlow before making heavy weather of landing the odds at Hereford (3m1f). Caught out by the drop back in trip under a penalty at Uttoxeter on most recent outing but needs a lot more now stepping up appreciably in grade.

Progressive sort who registered a fourth win of the season and first out of handicap company in 6-runner listed event at Limerick (21f, soft) in October. Likely to stay this longer trip but faces a much stiffer task returning from a break.

Point winner who created an excellent impression when making a successful return/hurdling debut in 8-runner novice at Taunton (19f, soft) in February. Followed up under a penalty with more in hand than the bare margin might imply at Newbury and earned a crack at this level. First try at 3m.

Most progressive over hurdles, winning maiden at Thurles and novice at Navan before an excellent third in Baring Bingham (21f) at the Cheltenham Festival, faring best of those held up. Leading player on that form, especially with this step up in trip likely to suit.

Fairly useful bumper winner who progressed again to resume winning way in 5-runner Grade 3 at Cork (24.4f, soft) in December, easing clear having raced alone along inside throughout. Ran no sort of race dropped in trip in the Jane Seymour at Warwick 8 weeks later, though, and looks up against it.