A very good contest won in recent years by the likes of Crocadee, Southern Star, French Holly and Nahthen Lad. This contest has a good look to it too, and revolves around course winner Double Honour and Sh Boom. Formerly with Mark Johnston, the former was Group-placed and won in Listed company on the Flat. Unextended in two hurdle runs so far, the step up to two-and-a-half miles should present no problems. Give in the ground suits him too. He holds good Cheltenham claims and, exciting prospect that he is, is the selection. Sh Boom's best effort came in defeat against the very useful Lord Sam and his run will give Jonjo O'Neill an idea as to how big a threat Double Honour is to, among others, his Coolnagorna, at the Festival. Balladeer was third here behind Hasty Prince on his last run and, as that is reasonable form, could be booked for a place.
