A disappointing turnout in terms of numbers for this valuable contest with just the six runners declared to face the starter. Only the Philip Hobbs-trained Thyne Will Tell has raced previously this season, the seven-year-old having come back from a lengthy spell on the sidelines to win handicaps at Newton Abbot and Stratford. However, having had a troubled preparation, he is not one to rely upon heavily. Second season chaser Truckers Tavern is difficult to evaluate on his handicap debut but, like most of Ferdy Murphy's inmates, can be expected to need the outing on his reappearance. Fondmort, representing the in form stable of Nicky Henderson, ran in all the top novice events last season and can be expected to run his usual good race. Juralan looks to be one of Henrietta Knight's lesser lights and, along with the Venetia Williams-trained Golden Goal. looks held by Royal Auclair on Cathcart running last season. Martin Pipe's French-bred gave Tony McCoy a very popular sole success at the Festival this year when showing true battling qualities on ground faster than ideal. With ground conditions ideal here the TEAMtalk vote goes to the five-year-old to continue on the upgrade.
