HENRI THE SECOND makes his handicap hurdle debut, following an encouraging runner-up position at Warwick. That effort qualified him for this race, which has been the plan some time, according to his trainer. A thoroughly unexposed type, the son of Saddler Maker won a Grade 2 novice event at this track and holds strong claims raised in trip, as a half-brother to stablemate Enrilo, who has winning form over three miles.

A pair of potential handicap improvers catch the eye in the prestigious Imperial Cup. ICEO delivered a pleasing second behind the reopposing winner, Hardy Du Seuil, at this course in January. He’s weighted to reverse form here, especially with that run under his belt. Iceo has shown enough in Grade 2 novice races last term to suggest a mark of 132 isn’t insurmountable.

Last year’s winning trainer, Peter Fahey, sends out ZOFFANY BAY with each-way prospects, after a huge effort when second at Ascot last month. He was returning from a mammoth absence, and if not finding this too much of a quick turnaround, is definitely one to note on his French hurdle form.

Soft conditions are expected to advantage EASY AS THAT, who bids to follow up a brace of simple handicap chase victories at Haydock and Newcastle. A 9lb rise in the weights could still underestimate this upwardly mobile chaser, for a trainer who won this contest with Farinet in 2021.

MOVETHECHAINS ought to relish this stamina test. He ran a fine fifth in the Grade 3 Welsh Grand National Handicap Chase in December, prior to second in a valuable Lingfield contest, when given too much to do from the rear. With plenty of pace anticipated, he can creep into the race and have something left for a late challenge up the testing climb to the finish.