Some likeable types in here, namely Booster Bob who has shown an aptitude for testing ground; an attribute that will be key for success on Saturday. 

But preference is for Willmount, who came into the season as a much-hyped novice hurdling prospect and has, so far, justified the excitement. A dual bumper winner when trained by Neil Mulholland, he jumped well on his yard/hurdling debut to make most of the running at Newbury, winning in facile fashion. 

The ground has to be considered an unknown, as Sandown “heavy” is a unique test, but he won his point-to-point on soft ground and his pedigree (by Blue Bresil out of an Old Vic mare) offers encouragement. 

Selection: Willmount

This is a very trappy race, and one I struggled to pick apart. 

Whiskey Express has more talent that her mark would suggest but is hard to trust, while Elle Est Beau has been eye-catching a couple of times, but the market hasn’t missed her. 

I’m siding with Pretending in the hope that the step up in trip can bring out further improvement, which it should given she stayed 1m6f well on the Flat. She had some notable form in Juvenile Hurdles last season; her second to the now 130-rated Zestful was a fine run, and she finished second to Under Control in a competitive Cheltenham handicap in April – a run which strongly suggested a step up in trip will suit. 

Off a feather weight, she can go close if handling the conditions. 

Selection: Pretending 

Pertemps Qualifiers are often tricky affairs and this one is no different, with many of these possessing patchy profiles (to put it politely). 

Chantry House was ridden with an abundance of patience at Cheltenham on his return to hurdles, and it wouldn’t be at all surprising if connections have their eyes on March already. 

However, given he’s liable to finish fourth (perfect for qualifying for the Final, not so great for Placepot purposes), I’m siding with the lightly-raced, progressive duo of Operation Manna and Equinus. 

Operation Manna is on an upward curve having won his previous two starts, one of which came at Sandown. He has disappointed over three-miles previously, but he can be given another chance given this will be just his ninth start over hurdles. 

Equinus bolted up on his seasonal reappearance and, while he disappointed next time out, that was a quick turnaround which some horses don’t handle. Only five, he looks a thorough stayer and is carrying very little weight thanks to his jockey’s claim (the same can be said of Operation Manna).

Selections: Operation Manna & Equinus 

Constitution Hill’s participation, and the time of writing, hangs in the balance, with Nicky Henderson keen to assess the ground on Friday. 

Jackpot seeking Placepot players may leave him out of their slips in hope of a shock, but I simply cannot bring myself to do that! 

In the event that he is withdrawn, we will default to the SP favourite which looks likely to be Love Envoi. I’d be happy to have her on side given her superb course record and her love for testing conditions. In truth, Constitution Hill’s potential absence may disappoint many but many, but Love Envoi versus You Wear It Well, a battle of two tough mares, would be a fascinating contest in its own right. 

Selection: Constitution Hill 

A race that potentially lacks the star power of previous renewals, but what we do have is an open affair with an interesting tactical angle. 

Five of the six runners have been known to make the runners; the only exception being Petit Tonnerre. Many will use this as their angle into the race, but of the potential front-runners, I think JPR One is the least likely to challenge for the lead, and I like his chances here. 

He was in the process of making-all to win the Arkle Trial last time out in impressive fashion before a final flight stumble. However, he’d previously been ridden with restraint on his chasing debut when beating Iceo, and while there is a significant swing in the weights in favour of Iceo, I believe JPR One still has plenty of upside. 

Selection: JPR One 

A tricky handicap to conclude, and while I would usually prefer to side with one at a decent price and hope the favourite is unplaced, I found it hard to get away from Impose Toi. 

The manner of his victory at Cheltenham last time out was very impressive and, while a 10lb rise is on the high side, the form looks solid with those that chased him home all being in form and race fit. 

He looked to have plenty in hand and was well backed before the off, and I suspect there’s further improvement to come. The ground has to be a question mark; he hasn’t had many opportunities to race in very testing conditions, but if he does handle it, a follow up victory looks likely. 

Selection: Impose Toi