The improving chaser, THE JUKEBOX KID, is certainly a strong contender to give the UK back-to-back wins in this prestigious staying handicap. The Ben Pauling-trained seven-year-old gelding is three from four over fences, including a Grade Two success at Ascot last time. Front-runners have a good, recent record in this event, which is a positive for this forwardly positioned individual.

A handicap mark of 144 may underestimate his credentials for further progress, considering he was kept fresh for this huge target, instead of a tilt at the Cheltenham Festival.

BETTER TIMES AHEAD may be J P McManus’ prime contender for this year’s Irish Grand National. The son of Walk In The Park is a dual chase winner, both at this track, including over 3m6f. I’m confident that he will stay on strongly, and ought to be seriously involved, judging on his excellent 2nd to Now Is The Hour two starts ago. He is weighted to reverse form here and is open to improvement at extreme distances.

Despite a disappointing season, thus far, QUAI DE BOURBON showed signs of a revival in a fine 3rd at Leopardstown last month. The Willie Mullins inmate could follow that good effort up, now switching back to the scene of arguably his best ever performance - running 3rd in this race last term. He is 4lb higher this time around, but I know he ought to stay the distance well, and harbours sound each-way claims, with a clean run through the contest.