A winning point to pointer before joining Paul Nicholls. Had three runs over hurdles and was then sent chasing. Won first time out over fences but didn't beat a great deal. Lost to Violet Dancer on his next start but had genuine excuses with the 2m trip and Violet Dancer has since gone on to win a Grade 2. Stepped back up in trip to 2m 4f and easily disposed of his 6 rivals at Leicester. A stiff 2m 5f here might bring out more improvement and is a very interesting contender if Paul Nicholls opts for this race.

This time last year Johns Spirit went off quietly fancied in the Ryanair chase. However, some runs this season have meant that Jonjo O'Neills trained nine year old is now 15lb lower in the handicap and if he can return to any where near the level of his past form then he could be thrown here off 145. The better ground is likely to suit and although Johns Spirit has never won at the Festival he has won three times at Cheltenham.

Much like Johns Spirit - Art Mauresque would need to recapture some of his best form to get involved here but should he do that then he could be a good each way bet. He ran well when behind Irish Cavalier at Newton Abbot then did extremely well to give weight all around to a useful field here in October. I think he showed that he prefers better ground when he ran a poor race here in December but should the better ground spark a return to form then Art Mauresque should go well.