KING OF ANSWERS ought to be seriously considered for this stamina test. The Malinas gelding is an improving chaser, boasting a two-from-five successes in this sphere. He has won well over at Kelso twice, in races just shy of three miles.

His latest performance was by far a career best, despite finishing second. That fine effort came in the National Hunt Novices’ Chase at the Cheltenham festival - over 3m6f - where he stayed on powerfully, indicating that this four-mile-trip could eke out further progression.

I was tempted to put up Quebecois, following his excellent Cheltenham festival run in the Ultima Handicap Chase, where he finished third, but he does need some rivals to come out to guarantee a run. With that in mind, KIM ROQUE has caught my eye.

It’s no secret that he should have finished closer in the Kim Muir Handicap Chase at Cheltenham, running-on into fourth from a mile back. He was one of the few runners in that race who finished well from the back, which means that effort can be upgraded. That three-mile-plus journey clearly brought about improvement, and he has untapped potential at stamina-sapping journeys, which will hopefully be evident at Ayr.

He does have other potential engagements (Sandown or Punchestown) but I’m hopeful he runs here.