Spotlight: First six rules starts were over 2m but he proved suited by the step up to around 3m the last twice, third to the reopposing Catch Him Derry at Exeter before finishing a place in front of that rival when second to stablemate Doddiethegreat in the Pertemps Final at Cheltenham (good to soft) in first-time cheekpieces (retained); a 5lb rise shouldn't prevent another prominent showing.

Spotlight: Gained a fourth handicap hurdle success when roaring back to form with a clearcut win at Exeter (2m7f, good to soft; Jeriko Du Reponet third) in February; backed that up with a fine third (Jeriko Du Reponet second) of 24 to Doddiethegreat in the Pertemps Final at Cheltenham (3m, good to soft), faring best of those held up; yard seeking a fourth win in this since 2019.

Spotlight: Succesful twice around 2m4f (good to soft/good) under Lewis Saunders in November and has run with credit in defeat since, notably with his second of 24 to Wodhooh in the Martin Pipe at Cheltenham (extended 2m4f, good to soft) 22 days ago; raised 5lb but he did come over 4l clear of the third; tackles 3m for the first time under rules now; respected.

Spotlight: Won well at Carlisle and Sandown (Grade 2 on soft) in first two starts over hurdles and creditable third in the Grade 1 Challow at Newbury and a Grade 2 at Cheltenham (both extended 2m4f); steps up to 3m for the first time under rules for handicap debut; a tongue-tie is another first.

Spotlight: Made it 2-2 in handicaps when comfortably on top over 2m4f at Down Royal (good), travelling strongly and drawing clear after the last despite hanging left (did same at Exeter the time before); the return to a left-handed track should suit, as should the step up to 3m; very interesting contender.

Spotlight: Going the right way, building on his eyecatching fourth in 3m Listed handicap at Dublin Racing Festival with a ready success over 2m6f at Thurles (good) last month; a really smart handicap performance will be needed from this mark but there's probably more to come from him.

Spotlight: Record of 3-18 over hurdles, the most recent win in October; ended 2024 with good seconds in 2m4f Listed handicaps at Naas and Leopardstown (both good to yielding) and another creditable effort when fifth of 24 in the Martin Pipe at Cheltenham, rallying having been outpaced; didn't seem to quite stay 3m on his only attempt but that was on soft ground at Leopardstown and he should see it out better under these conditions; likely to be in the mix.

Spotlight: Started this second season hurdling with a win here (2m4f, good) and creditable fourth at Haydock (2m3f, soft); bounced back quickly from a lesser run at Ascot in January when second to Patriotik (placed in strong Uttoxeter handicap since) at Doncaster on his first attempt at 3m under rules; the first-time tongue-tie he wore at Doncaster is retained; unexposed as a stayer.

Spotlight: Lightly raced 8yo mare who won her first two handicap hurdles in the mud last winter; off 14 months, prominent for a long way in the Martin Pipe at Cheltenham, suggesting she retains her ability; entitled to come on for the run but Harry Skelton prefers Catch Him Derry; wears first-time cheekpieces.

Spotlight: Very progressive hurdler who won six in a row between March and November and has advanced his RPRs in defeat when placing over 2m5f at Ascot and Kempton this winter; this strong traveller is a must for the shortlist now stepping up to 3m for the first time under rules.

Spotlight: Better than ever with tongue-tie added to his regular cheekpieces (combination retained) when proving too strong for his 15 rivals at Fairyhouse (2m4f, soft) six weeks ago; his other wins came on good/good to yielding so a return to drier ground won't be an issue; below-par fifth on his only attempt around 3m but he shapes as if he'll prove fully effective over this trip.

Spotlight: His record of late is a bit mixed but he stayed on from the rear for a creditable sixth (Act Of Authority second) of 24 in the Martin Pipe at Cheltenham (extended 2m4f), shaping as if this return to 3m will suit.

Spotlight: Had wind surgery before winning in fine style at Newbury (extended 2m4f, good to soft) in December, with creditable in-frame efforts over 3m at Windsor and Haydock on his next two starts; never involved in the Coral Cup over 2m5f at Cheltenham but this hold-up performer has claims now he's returning to 3m.

Spotlight: Ex-Irish and ex-French; best effort for new yard when fourth of 12 to Titan Discovery at Windsor (3m, soft) in January but he needs to shrug off a lesser run at Sandown since.

Spotlight: Struck on the Flat at Bellewstown (1m4f) last summer and went in again over hurdles at Perth (3m) in September; another creditable effort when third on the Flat at Thurles in October (all good ground); first outing for six months but he's won after a similar break before.

Spotlight: Good effort in first-time cheekpieces when second in Huntingdon handicap hurdle (3m1f, soft) in January but two lesser efforts have followed, latterly when well behind in the Pertemps Final.

Spotlight: Four wins divided between Flat and hurdles; well held in January on return from a break but more like it when fifth of 16 over 2m4f at Fairyhouse (soft) six weeks ago, shaping as if this return to 3m will suit.

Spotlight: Eight-time winner, latest in a Bellewstown handicap hurdle in summer 2023; returned from a break to finish second on Galway chase debut last August but well held in handicaps over hurdles and on the Flat subsequently; first outing for six months; others arrive with much more obvious claims.

Spotlight: Pulled up over fences last summer but has form figures of 112 in 2m7f handicap hurdles since returning from a long absence; only nosed out off 2lb lower last time but it was back in October and this is a tough race in which to return from six months off.