Just one favourite (Azertyuiop in 2003) has prevailed during the last ten runnings, although in general this isn't a race in which to be looking for a major upset as class tends to prevail. Many of these novices will be asked to go faster and jump better than they have ever done before. As such, it is little surprise to see a roll of honour that features some of the greatest two-mile steeplechasers of recent years, such as Moscow Flyer, Azertyuiop and Voy Por Ustedes

Henrietta Knight saddles one of the likely favourites this year with Calgary Bay having impressed Tony McCoy and everyone else with his recent performances. Will he have the pace to cope with the drop in trip back to two miles, having been so impressive over 2m5f at Cheltenham in January?

Paul Nicholls holds a strong hand with both Tatenen and I'msingingtheblues both set to take their chance. The champion trainer has saddled a total of 15 runners in the last ten renewals, winning the race twice and also saddling placed horses on several occasions.
 
Both of Nicholls' runners have won previously at Cheltenham and Christian Williams looks set to retain the mount aboard I'msingingtheblues having ridden the Pistolet Bleu gelding to his last two successes. A winner of three of his last four races, the seven-year-old would prefer decent ground, with his stablemate possibly better suited by slower conditions. I'msingingtheblues currently makes more appeal at 9-1 with Sky Bet.

Others to consider include Kalahari King, who completed his build-up to the Festival with a recent workout after racing at Doncaster and Planet of Sound, who has progressed his way through the handicap ranks but whose fluent jumping ought to prove a potent weapon in this contest.