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.

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.

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.