ACT OF AUTHORITY holds strong each-way claims in a competitive handicap hurdle, run over an extended three-mile trip. The Olly Murphy-trained son of Authorized has won twice this campaign, prior to an excellent second in the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle at Cheltenham last month.

He was only beaten by the rapidly-improving Wodhooh that day, who has subsequently finished an outstanding second in the G1 Aintree Hurdle this week - behind Lossiemouth. A reproduction of that Cheltenham effort would see him go close.

TIMMY TUESDAY is one for the place players at attractive odds. He bolted up in a Down Royal handicap hurdle over 2m4f last time - despite hanging left in the closing stages. A 9lb rise may seem harsh but he is an improving type, who could find further improvement at this new distance - especially racing left-handed.

With G1 Triumph Hurdle second, Lulamba, a notable non-runner, this race is left wide open. REGENT’S STROLL has to step up on two minor hurdle wins so far - including a cheeky success at Wincanton last time. He can be a touch keen so connections have reached for a first-time hood to help him settle. Paul Nicholls has likened him to his multiple Grade One winner, Clan Des Obeaux, who relished racing at Aintree.

HORACES PEARL, winner of a Grade Two bumper at this meeting last season, aims to build on a pair of easy hurdle outings thus far. Despite a few jumping errors, his class has enabled him to see off his rivals with plenty in hand. Drying ground is a huge positive to his chance and the return to this winning track could spark further improvement, too. 

Market leader, Imperial Saint, is likely to run a huge race from the front, especially with the defection of pace rival Myretown. He does have to prove his stamina for this new trip, so is reluctantly passed over, with DOCPICKEDME.

The Getaway gelding arrives in excellent form - building on a Doncaster second with a success back at that venue over three miles on good ground. He has scored at this distance, too, and has the assistance of Charlie Maggs, who claims a valuable 5lb.

Don’t be put off by the veteran age of SAM BROWN, who arrives in tremendous form, having won at Newbury by three lengths last time. He is racing from a lofty mark but has finished first and second in both efforts in the race previously. A placing at big odds is not beyond the 13yo, especially if they go too quick in front.

The staying hurdle division doesn’t appear to be the strongest currently, and if there is one horse who could improve beyond these, it’s KITZBUHEL.

Willie Mullins is having a great week, with six winners at the meeting already, and this is a fascinating contender. Two from two since switching from France, he has won with more in hand that each of the margins have suggested. He faces a huge rise in distance but hailing from his powerful stable, it isn’t a big concern.

GWENNIE MAY BOY is one of the each-way options, following an impressive Grade Two win at Haydock. Dan Skelton knows how to train winners for this meeting and his runner was an emphatic winner of a course handicap hurdle on this card last term. He stays well and it’s likely that we haven’t seen the ceiling of his ability yet, as a big, improving type.

IROKO holds rock-solid credentials of running a big race in the world’s most celebrated jumps race - the Grand National Handicap Chase. JP McManus, owner of last year’s winner, I Am Maximus, owns the seven-year-old son of Cokoriko. Fifth in last season’s G1 Turners Novices’ Chase at the Cheltenham festival, he followed up with an excellent second to subsequent G1 Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Inothewayurthinkin.

A mixed record has been evident this term, with distinct promise seen at Haydock, and particularly in a Listed Chase second behind the classy Grey Dawning at Kelso. Despite not running beyond 3m1f, connections have been keen to run in this race for the past two seasons, with the endurance contest expected to suit.

Irish Grand National winner, INTENSE RAFFLES, holds solid claims of finishing in the placings for trainer, Thomas Gibney. Plenty has been made of his preference for soft ground, which is why there has been a big drift in the market, but he now rates an attractive proposition at double-figure odds.

He isn’t as slow as some make out and he certainly is one who has the requisite class and stamina to go close. Hyland, Senior Chief and Minella Cocooner complete the shortlist of those who appeal for the huge showstopper.

KALIF DU BERLAIS offers bold claims of landing a third chase win this afternoon. The step up to 2m4f clearly didn’t help when last at Sandown in February and he’s been kept fresh for this assignment. His form figures back at two miles reads 1, 1, 1, 3, 1, 1 and he is the youngest in tje race, so could have more improvement in him than his rivals.

The top-rated L’EAU DU SUD holds obvious appeal, having finished a close-up fourth in the G1 Arkle Novices' Chase at Cheltenham last month. He could have a freebie up front and prove hard to catch, if jumping well, and a first-tine tongue-tie and cheekpieces combination has the potential to offer progress, too.

LE LABO is a hugely rare British bumper runner for Joseph O’Brien, which immediately catches the eye. Successful on sole start at Thurles, which came on good ground, the son of Mount Nelson has speed in his pedigree and his dam is an unraced half-sister to Champion Hurdle winner Binocular. 

STORMING GEORGE is one of many interesting outsiders at a big price, following a good debut win. He defied traffic problems to score impressively at Doncaster on quick ground, for a stable who won this in 2022. He shouldn’t be underestimated for reaching the placings.