Maestro Conti enters the opener with a flawless three-from-three record over hurdles. His recent victory at Cheltenham proved he handles the undulating track perfectly, showing he has plenty of energy in reserve. While Willie Mullins typically dominates this race, the Skelton charge represents the strongest domestic challenge and is a very difficult horse to kick out of the frame.

Sinnatra is the definition of a “handicap plot” for a yard that has won four of the last ten renewals of this race. Despite concerns earlier in the season about qualifying runs, Sinnatra has made the lineup on a highly competitive mark of 133. This horse has the tactical profile and the stable backing to suggest he is significantly better than his current rating implies.

Dinoblue is the class standout of the Mares’ division. With 11 wins from 23 starts, including a brilliant victory in this exact race last season, she is the benchmark for her rivals. She is comfortably the highest-rated runner in the field and her jumping accuracy is her primary weapon. It is hard to find a flaw in her profile given her proven Festival record.

Thedeviluno has been visually stunning this term, particularly in his Grade 2 River Don victory at Doncaster. While he was narrowly beaten by Doctor Steinberg earlier in the season at Navan, the improved ground conditions at Cheltenham should allow him to reverse that form. He is a relentless stayer who will relish the three-mile climb to the finish.

Inothewayurthinkin arrives with substantial stable confidence for a defense of his crown. Despite some inconsistencies earlier this term, his record of two wins from two starts at Cheltenham (both on the New Course) is a powerful statistic. Reports of exceptional work at Fairyhouse suggest he is back to his peak. In a competitive field, his course affinity is the deciding factor.

Stattler is a class act in a unique betting market. Formerly an elite chaser for Willie Mullins, he has found a second career in the Hunter sphere, jumping perfectly on his last start at Fakenham. He possesses a level of natural ability that few in this field can match. With Patrick Mullins booked to ride, he is the primary selection for each-way value.

Act Of Authority produced a fantastic effort to finish second in this race last year and returns only 1lb higher in the weights. He failed to stay in the Pertemps qualifiers, making this return to 2m4f ideal. Jockey Lewis Saunders gets on particularly well with this horse and he knows him inside out, a significant advantage in a conditional riders’ race where experience and partnership are paramount.