PEAKY BOY was an ultra impressive chase debut winner over 2m4f at this venue last month. That was also his handicap debut over fences, from a mark of 132, and he could easily rank higher after a 7lb rise.

A step up in trip is expected to suit, too, for a trainer who excels with unexposed types. He has an entry in the G1 Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase at the Cheltenham festival and if aiming for that race, he should be winning this.

MADARA was a huge eyecatcher last-time-out, when finishing fourth in last month’s Paddy Power Gold Cup over 2m4f. That was his debut for the current stable and any step forward should see him involved at the business end of the race, from a 1lb drop in the weights.

Interestingly, his usual cheekpieces are reapplied today, which is likely to help him peak for this big prize.

DESTROYTHEEVIDENCE was an impressive chase debut winner over three miles at Chepstow, prior to a good second in a Newbury novice handicap chase. The lightly raced six-year-old looks a classic Kim Bailey-trained chaser, who jumps and stays well. He ought to progress with further experience and has sound frame credentials here.

Last year’s winning stable could strike again this season, with THEONEWEDREAMOF. The French Navy mare made a pleasing chase debut before an easy Roscommon victory over fences, winning a shade cosily. An opening handicap chase mark of 111 appeals here and she has winning form on a sound surface.

TAKE NO CHANCES, despite being top-weight, should run her race, following some excellent hurdle efforts, including a 10-length Listed win at Wetherby.

She was subsequently outclassed in the G1 Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle, but is certainly interesting back in handicap company. She is expected to come with a late run from the back of the pack for the in-form Dan Skelton stable.

IN EXCELSIS DEO holds each-way credentials in the feature race of the day. He was fairly well supported in the market, prior to unseating his rider in the Paddy Power Handicap Chase here last month.

A previous course-and-distance victory in April reads well, beating a host of subsequent winners. Although 7lb higher than that success, the Harry Fry-trained six-year-old has scope for progress over fences, at a course which clearly suits.

LIBBERTY HUNTER is a fascinating runner on seasonal debut for Evan Williams. Last season’s Grand Annual Handicap Chase runner-up is 5lb higher than for that excellent effort but a subsequent placing in Grade One company suggests he could have more to offer back in handicap company.

JET BLUE is an intriguing runner for the David Cottin yard, following a good second at Auteuil over 2m2f last month. His dam is a half-sister to a French Grade Two winner over 2m6f and 3m1f Grade One-winning hurdler Questarabad. His pedigree offer promise of this big step up in journey and is thoroughly unexposed over hurdles.

ENDLESS ESCAPE is certainly worth place claims after an encouraging fifth on reappearance at Ascot. The winner has since finished a good third in a Grade Three event and the selection has shown a liking to this track – finishing third over course-and-distance in April. That solid effort came on a quick surface, which is likely to be the case this afternoon.