Oldschool Outlaw represents the standout value against the market principal. She already holds a direct victory over the favorite, Bambino Fever, from their encounter at Naas in December. Her subsequent Grade 3 success was achieved with significant authority, demonstrating that she possesses the tactical jumping speed required for a Festival opener. While her rival brings hype, Oldschool Outlaw brings a proven head-to-head advantage.

Sixmilebridge has been a revelation this season, maintaining a relentless upward trajectory. His victory in the Scilly Isles Chase at Sandown was a top-tier performance that marked him as a horse far superior to this current handicap mark. He handles the Cheltenham terrain efficiently and arrives here with the freshness needed for a grueling 2m4f chase. He is the class act in this handicap field.

Wodhooh is the clear standard-bearer in this division following the redirection of her main rivals. Her record of nine hurdle victories from ten starts is an elite profile. She is a two-time course and distance winner who handles the unique atmosphere of Prestbury Park with ease. Her latest Graded win at Leopardstown was a display of pure class, and she appears to have no genuine equal in this lineup.

Teahupoo is the dominant force in the staying division and is the absolute horse to beat this afternoon. His victory in the Christmas Hurdle at Leopardstown was a commanding display that proved he remains at the peak of his powers. He is an established elite performer over this trip and his tactical versatility ensures he will be in the perfect position when the pace intensifies turning for home.

Fact To File is the banker selection of Day 3. His victory in the Irish equivalent of this race was a statement of intent, as he left several top-tier stablemates trailing. He is comfortably the highest-rated runner on the entire card. While Jonbon brings significant class to the field, Fact To File’s sheer power and jumping economy at high speeds make him an incredibly difficult opponent to overhaul.

Electric Mason has undergone the perfect preparation for this final. He qualified with a resilient second-place finish at Cheltenham earlier in the season before winning a highly competitive handicap at Haydock. That form has been massively franked by the horse that beat him here, Ma Shantou, winning a Grade 2 subsequently. He is a tough, durable stayer who is purpose-built for this unique challenge.

Jeriko Du Reponet is the class act of the closing race. He has the profile of a Grade 1 novice hurdler now operating on a very favorable handicap mark over fences. The booking of Derek O’Connor is a massive positive, as he is widely regarded as the best amateur jockey in the history of the sport. The addition of cheekpieces will provide the necessary sharpeness for him to deliver his superior class.