THAT’S NICE can make it two-from-two over hurdles, following a promising debut success at Warwick. The Walk In The Park filly cruised to victory that day, beaten a subsequent Sandown scorer, in the manner of a smart type. She receives a handy 7lb sex allowance here and has the scope to remain unbeaten under these conditions.

Expensive purchase, CALDWELL POTTER, can continue his progressive profile on second run for Paul Nicholls. The exuberant grey jumped well on chase debut at Carlisle and has the requisite ability to prove himself a novice chaser to be reckoned with this season. A Grade One-winning hurdler, he should relish this rise in trip, as a brother to bumper and high-class 2m-2m5f hurdle/chase winner Mighty Potter. He’s also a half-brother to smart 2m7f winner French Dynamite.

WILLMOUNT is one contender who could be significantly ahead of his handicap mark. Absent since a pulled-up effort in the G1 Challow Hurdle last term, he brings excellent form previously, having won 4-4. An official mark of 130 could seriously underestimate his claims and any positive market vibes are worth noting. Keep an eye on owner-mate Bo Zenith, in the betting too, having run second in Grade One company last term.

SHAN BLUE is the class act in this veteran chase field, having landed a Grade One chase in his pomp. Clearly not the force of old, he displayed positive signs on his reappearance this term, running fourth at Bangor over three miles. He struck as a horse who would benefit for that outing and could improve down in distance.

Last year’s winner, LATENIGHTPASS, appeals as a worthy each-way option this time around. 4lb higher than for that success, he has shown excellent form over this unique circuit, in varying ground conditions. There is every chance he will be able to improve for switching to this test, under a rider who excels on him.

CAVERN CLUB put in a much improved performance in cheekpieces at this track last-time-out, running on well into second behind Wreckless Eric. He is weighted to reverse that form and holds genuine each-way claims at fair odds, for a horse who is only having his fifth start over hurdles.

This excellent staying handicap chase should be run at a strong pace, especially with Chianti Classico and King Turgeon in the line-up. With that in mind, an each-way chance is taken on hold-up performer BALLYGRIFINCOTTAGE. Despite falling at this venue last time, he can’t be ruled out with confidence, after a pleasing reappearance effort previously. Seventh in last season’s Scottish National – he stays well and could run on for a placing.

Course specialist, SEDDON, holds sound claims in the Veterans’ Chase Series Handicap Chase over the extended 2m4f. 3lb higher than when successful at the 2023 Cheltenham festival, the John McConnell-trained 11-year-old appears to have been primed for this run, following an excellent spell on the flat, winning twice in August/September.

As selected in our each-way trixie, LATENIGHTPASS is a course specialist here and always runs his race around Cheltenham. The winner of this race last year looks in a great spot to be in and amongst the contenders here – especially with 5 places on offer.