Verdict

Disappointingly only three stand their ground here, but there will be plenty of interest in how CRACKAWAY JACK fares on his chasing debut, and he gets the nod ahead of Calusa Crystal. Emma Lavelle's runners are in good form which augurs well for the selection, who was last seen when an excellent fourth to Punjabi in the Champion Hurdle back in March. He is rated at least two stones better than the other pair over the smaller obstacles, acts on good ground, and is sure to have been very well schooled. He can outclass this field on the way to much better things over fences. Calusa Crystal was marginally the better of the other pair over hurdles and she was well placed by Philip Hobbs to win four of her five most recent races, the last of which was in a novices' hurdle at Towcester in April. She can go well fresh and has going conditions to suit, and she can go very well. Mister Matt has not won since his debut over 18 months ago but went well on his English introduction for Bob Buckler at Fontwell last month, but while he is no hopeless cause it is unlikely that he will have the class to trouble what will surely be a long odds-on favourite in Crackaway Jack, who can begin his Arkle campaign in good style.

Formwatch

Crack Away Jack 16-1 (11-10) Held up in rear, steady progress into mid-division 3 out, not much room after 2 out, went 4th last, closed on leaders flat, no impression near finish, 4th of 23, 2 3/4l behind Punjabi (11-10) at Cheltenham 2m hdl G1 (1) gs in Mar.

Mister Matt (IRE) 10-1 (10-9) Held up and keen, in touch from 3rd, went 2nd and going well after 3 out, not fluent 2 out, ridden approaching last not quicken, 2nd of 9, 2l behind Consulate (11-5) at Fontwell 2m 2f nh nov hdl (4) gd in Oct.

Calusa Crystal (FR) 7-4fav (12-0) Tracked leader until approaching 4th, remained prominent, took narrow lead before 2 out, ridden and headed last, soon led again, all out, won at Towcester 2m mrs nov hdl (4) gd in Apr beating Midsummer Magic (11-3) by shd, 9 ran.