LANGLEY HUNDRED has struck up a good partnership with Elizabeth Gale, a conditional rider who takes off a valuable 10lb. The pair look capable of completing a hat-trick with further improvement likely, stepping up in trip, having shown a progressive profile over hurdles this campaign.

One who could surprise for a place is LUCKY SO AND SO, who is a handicap debutant from an official handicap mark of 112. Nicky Martin and David Prichard teamed up with the biggest success of their careers when The Two Amigos triumphed in the Welsh Grand National last week and could have a say in the finish with this unexposed five-year-old.

LADY ADARE is a notable runner on her handicap debut following an easy 16-length novice hurdle win at Taunton in February. Her trainer Harry Fry arrives in excellent form, which bolsters confidence.

LASKALIN is expected to go close after a small rise in the weights, following a comfortable reappearance victory at Ludlow. The improved form – a first British success – came after wind surgery. The Venetia Williams-trained Martaline gelding certainly appears to have more to offer, despite this competitive event.