In the opener, Border Castle gets the vote ahead of King's Thought and Kyathos. Border Castle's form sets the benchmark here and this course and distance winner can play a leading part in this contest. A 91-rated Flat winner over 10 furlongs, King's Thought could be interesting on his hurdling debut, while three-time German winner Kyathos is another to catch the eye. Lion's Domane has won eight races on the Flat but has a regressive profile but Little Bob proved good enough to win from a mark of 68 on the Flat last season and might be worth keeping an eye on. Winning chaser Mistral de la Cour is rated 112 over the larger obstacles, so gets a mention, but Coutrywide Dancer is another to have regressed on the Flat but Pont Neuf, who ran well for a long way last time, would hold claims of a place if getting back to the level of her debut effort. Overall, though, the vote stays with Border Castle.
Border Castle 3-1fav (11-10) In touch, effort after 2 out, chased winner last, no impression, 2nd of 13, 5l behind Topkat (11-3) at Folkestone 2m 1f nov hdl (4) sft in Feb.
Executive Friend (IRE) 28-1 (11-4) Mid-division, ridden over 3f out, never able to challenge, 6th of 14, 28l behind Topwell (10-12) at Catterick 2m nhf (H) gd in Dec.
King's Thought 16-1 (9-2) Led, headed over 3f out, weakened rapidly, eased when no chance over 1f out, last of 6, well behind Etesaal (9-7) at Epsom 1m 2f stk (3) gd in Aug (Flat).
Kyathos (GER) 11-10fav (9-2) led until joined on line, dead-heated at Dortmund 1m stk std in Jan with Flying Sensation (8-11) by a nk, 8 ran (Flat).
Lion's Domane 40-1 (8-9) Always behind, last of 14, 36l behind Gem Bien (9-0) at Southwell 7f banded stk (H5) fbs (Flat).
Little Bob 9-2 (8-11) Chased leaders, led 3f out, ridden and hung left over 1f out, no extra inside final furlong, 4th of 13, 1 1/2l behind Parnassian (9-0) at Nottingham 1m 2f hcp 0-75 (5) hvy in Nov (Flat).
Mistral De La Cour (FR) 50-1 (9-11) Prominent, blundered 2nd, weakened after 4 out, tailed off from next, 6th of 10, well behind Kalca Mome (10-12) at Haydock 2m hcp chs (2) hvy in Feb.
Countrywide Dancer (IRE) 100-1 (9-1) Chased leaders far side, weakened 3f out, 10th of 20, 24l behind Bailieborough (9-11) at Newcastle 1m clm (6) gf in Aug (Flat).
